Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

Nope. Just no. If you want to be extremely uncomfortable the entire time you read a book, then pick this one up. This had such good worldbuilding and could have been amazing, but the characters were all terrible and there was constant offensive content every time you flip the page.

25% into the book is too late to find out the MC is married with a kid. 80% into the book is too late to find out the MC had a wife before this. He is constantly thinking about other women's bodies and trying to keep himself from cheating...and then at the end he passionately kisses this woman while thinking about how to make up to his wife? Every single woman he encounters he has to make sure he's looking at her body and then make a point to think about his wife and how he shouldn't be looking at her body.

He also gets incredibly ableist with the mental health issues brought up. It sounds like his friend was struggling with schizophrenia and definitely addiction to cope. He's continually referred to as having been a "shell of a person", having no worth when he was in crisis, etc.

Not to mention there's endless plot holes and it felt like she was trying to do way too much and never wrapped up any of the threads she unwound. I was so intrigued with the world at the start and then it just became far too tedious. 85% into the book is far too late to actually start to give clues to the murder mystery and solve anything at all.

The fact that I finished this book is a miracle in and of itself.

This opening for a new series by Laurell K. Hamilton was… not entirely promising. A Terrible Fall of Angels is an introduction into the world of Zaniel Havelock, a cop who is able to and trained to communicate with Angels. In this world, Hamilton not only focuses on the Abrahamic ideas of Heaven and Hell but also brings in concepts and deities from other religions, such as Wiccan, Norse, and Voodoo religions. Continue reading to understand my hesitancy with this new series, but also things I did actually like!

Unfortunately, my biggest complaint with A Terrible Fall of Angels is the main character. AHHHH! Z/Havoc/Zaniel Havelock seems to be this macho buff guy who thinks everyone is flirting with him, males, females, straight people, bisexual, gay — it doesn’t matter, he’s a hunk. But also he’s working through some stuff with his wife, which I respect. What I don’t respect is the inner monologue of it being so hard to be faithful and how he thinks his wife hates him but like maybe she doesn’t and how he needs to try to stop flirting so much and if he wasn’t involved with his wife, he’d totally go for that girl. It made it very hard for me to feel any connection or investment in his character.

Another qualm I had was the pacing of the story. A Terrible Fall of Angles started out very quickly in media res of a case involving angels and a murder, likely by demonic means. It was an expedient way to get the reader into the world, which I liked. The first third of the book seems to follow this case, with very intense and action-packed scenes that were really great to see how magic works in this world. However, there is a fairly large chunk that seems to fall off from the case and begin talking about his couple therapy with his wife (which is like, awesome for them, I totally support that, but I also feel like he is in no way actually trying to fix his relationship by flirting and appraising nearly every human’s body he comes across in a sexual way), and then these hints and allusions to corruption and secrecy among the College of Angels coming as a result of the reunions of his two besties from the College that we just now learned about. And then finally when you kinda forgot about the case it comes back and is quickly solved. So the pacing seemed off and at times I was trying to figure out what is the main conflict and what is she setting up to be an overarching conflict for the series.

I did appreciate the desire to involve several different religious beliefs in spirituality and deities. The main focus, due to Havoc’s abilities and background with the College of Angels, is the Abrahamic religions’ concept of angels, demons, and God. However, other characters, such as Lieutenant Charleston and Detective Ravensong, interact with Loa and totems, respectively. I would have liked more focus given to the non-Abrahamic religions but I believe that Hamilton will explore them more in later books in the series.

I was trying to give the benefit of the doubt that maybe Hamilton tried to pack too much into A Terrible Fall of Angels and that I felt overwhelmed and distracted. I was not in love with the main character, which makes a book from only one point of view very difficult to enjoy. The plot and pace seemed a bit off, but I’m willing to forgive that. I would be willing to read the second book in the series, but there is a lot to make up for after reading this first installment.

I was beyond excited for this book but I ended up really struggling to finish it.

A slow burn is usually something I'm very up for and I love longer books, but this one dragged for me.

I was expecting more angel and demon lore as opposed to the detective and murder investigation plot. It was less Anita Blake than I was expecting.

This doesn't mean it wasn't great, it just wasn't a novel for me. I'd highly recommend it for those who like crime novels.

I really could not get into this one. I gave it several chapters, but there was something about it that just didn’t click with me. Kind of disappointing. I really want to like Laurell Hamilton’s work, having met her at conventions and listened to her speak. But maybe it’s just not meant to be.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

This book is absolutely amazing. I have a hard time reading about angels because they're usually so far off the opinion I have of what an angel is or does it makes it difficult to read. Not this LKH book though. She's a mastermind.

We have a policeman who can talk to angels. He sees them and can talk with them about the dead. There's a lot going on in this book, as typical of LKH stories. The police work plus the deity aspect does not disappoint.

I highly recommend reading this book. I can't wait for the next one!

Intriguing World

Meet Detective Zaniel Havelock, a man with the special ability to communicate directly with angels. A former trained Angel speaker, he devoted his life to serving both the celestial beings and his fellow humans with his gift, but a terrible betrayal compelled him to leave that life behind. Now he’s a cop who is still working on the side of angels. But where there are angels, there are also demons. There’s no question that there’s evil at work when he’s called in to examine the murder scene of a college student—but is it just the evil that one human being can do to another, or is it something more? When demonic possession is a possibility, even angelic protection can only go so far. The race is on to stop a killer before he finds his next victim, as Zaniel is forced to confront his own very personal demons, and the past he never truly left behind.




The first in a new series from the author of the Anita Blake and Merry Gentry series.

I’ll be the first to say that I have enjoyed the Anita Blake series, despite some of the changes over the years and I loved the Merry Gentry series. So I was really interested to see what Laurell K. Hamilton would do with a new series, especially with a male protagonist.  I found myself intrigued by the world wherein Angels and God exist alongside other alternative religions. The characters are interesting, with lots of mystery and intrigue within the relationships and the main action compelling.

As far as setting up the world, Laurell K. Hamilton does an excellent job. As I said, the world is interesting. Angels and God exist but so do Pagan religions with all magic being real. While not all details are given in this first novel, it does set up most of the world, along with the role of Zaniel and provides his background, to allow the reader to engage with him. I liked some of the concepts, especially that some of how Angels appear is guided by humanity. How and why all of it works I am sure will be explored in future books. 

Zaniel is an interesting character, with real world problems, like a separation from his wife and problems always understanding relationships. He also has a friend that’s struggled with being expelled from the Angel Speakers. While overall he is a strong character that can be empathized with, his point of view is occasionally jarring for me. I did find some of his behavior very stereotypical and not always what I would expect from a male point of view. When he’s not focused on women, however, the character is richer and far more interesting. I also wished we’d gotten to see him with his son at some point in the story but the action and plot really didn’t allow for that scenario. 

The action was absolutely compelling with the mystery of how the demon was harming his victims part of what made it so intriguing. Zaniel’s path to figuring out what was happening and why kept me engaged in the story. While I have read other stories with Angels and Demons, this did have some new elements, including the ability of the Demon to possess the antagonist so completely. Zaniel’s abilities also seem new and different which made the action even more riveting. I did feel as though there were some loose threads but the main action was resolved by the end of the novel and some of those threads may have been left purposely to allow for the next book in the series. 

Overall, I did enjoy the series, despite some of the stereotypical thoughts of the main character occasionally jarring me from the story. I hope some of that improves over time. If you like Laurell K. Hamilton and like supernatural series, this is a new and compelling world with interesting ideas. I will love to see how the author further develops the world and the characters.

4 out of 5 angels.

Check out my review at the link included. In summary, it was a 5 star read, the world-building took me a little time to get into but it was worth it.

Did not finish and therefore. I will not be reviewing on any platforms due to not finishing this book.

I will rate 1 star for the purpose of this feedback, but will not be rating this book on any social media platforms or our blog.

Love this author and had high hopes but this book didn't grab me at all. It started out fabulously but didn't hold my interest.

I want to thank you for the opportunity to review.

"A Terrible Fall of Angels" is the first Laurell K. Hamilton novel I have ever read. And now I know why people rave about her books. The characters are captivating while still have a realness to them even though there is an otherworldly element to narrative. The action and suspense are brilliantly executed. And as if that weren't enough, the writing flows effortlessly propelling the reader from beginning to end.

Laurel Hamilton has started an outstanding new series with A Terrible Fall of Angels. God and his angels are here among us as are spirit animals and also demonic figures. Some are angel speakers who can channel the messages of angels. One such Angel Speaker has left his colleagues and entered the army and then the police. He can still channel angels, but realizes there are betrayals among his past colleagues. A strange and powerful novel; eager to get the sequel.

This story is the first book in what looks to be an amazing series. Detective Zaniel “Havoc” Havelock is on a special force known as the Metaphysical Coordination Unit, but most everyone calls this unit the Heaven and Hell Unit. They deal with crimes on both the human and spiritual sides and try to maintain the peace between both. As a trained Angel Speaker, he has the ability to communicate with the celestial beings that only he can see. When a string of murders begins happening, Zaniel must use every ounce of his training to try and solve the case before more innocent people die. There is a lot in this story, but every angle has a reason for it being told and builds the world for the upcoming books in the series. I really feel for Zaniel as he is being pulled in so many directions that at times, he feels that is too much to handle, but there is so much for him unravel with the crimes that he asked to investigate. This is definitely a page turner that will have readers devouring every word. Cannot wait to see what happens next.

Urban Fantasy author Laurell K. Hamilton talks with Writers, After Dark about the first book in her new series, A Terrible Fall of Angels, which happens to also be her first with a male lead protagonist.

Laurell talks about her new detective hero, angel expert Zaniel Havelock, his history and the journey he will be going on, and more. It’s a tough job when you know Armageddon has rules but you’re not allowed to know exactly what those rules encompass.

She also talks about her research into angels and their nature, her fascination on the disagreements between different religious & historical texts about which ones are actually fallen (or not), the placement of devils, demons and fallen angels and much more.

Laurell dives into how this new series came about, and how different it is to write than the stories for the Anita Blake and Merry Gentry series, and her desire to write something that inspires more hope led to getting this story completed.

Another excellent series from Laurell K. Hamilton. I've been a fan of the author for a long time, and it was so fun to see her writing a new (male!) character. I recently listened to an interview by Ms. Hamilton where she talked about her process to feel comfortable writing a male character--and also writing about angels, which make up so much of this book. I think this is a great version of a new take on contemporary fantasy and would recommend it.

I keep telling myself that I can love a Laurel K Hamilton book, but this is another one that just isn't for me. I think it's time that I stop trying to love these books. But they're so popular! I must be missing something....

Author interview with Laurell K. Hamilton

Today’s author interview guest is Laurell K. Hamilton, author of the new book A Terrible Fall of Angels (A Zaniel Havelock Novel Book 1).

Angels walk among us, but so do other unearthly beings in this brand new series by #1 New York Times Bestselling author Laurell K. Hamilton.

"A Terrible Fall of Angels"
by Laurell K. Hamilton
Did not finish....
Don't bother with this one.

Hamilton has a new series out that follows Detective Zaniel Havelock who can communicate with angels. He was raised at the College of Angels as an Angel speaker but left the college after a terrible betrayal, pursued the army, and then became a police detective. When women start showing up dead, he is positive there’s evil at work but is unsure if it is just a person who is evil or a demon of something more sinister at work.

The series has a lot of potential, though the first book was a little slow for me. I needed more background on Havelock and the college than what was given. I kept feeling like there was a book I had missed reading, though that wasn’t the case.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series with the hope that there will be more of everything.

The book blurb for A Terrible Fall of Angels sounded like a very interesting story. However, when I tried reading the book, I really struggled and had to call it quits after the first few chapters. I wasn't able to connect with Zaniel and I had a hard time following the storyline. I definitely think this story has an audience, it just wasn't for me.

A cop in a special unit specific to investigating supernatural-related crime gets an angelic visit at a murder scene that sets in motion an investigation that resonates in the highest courts of Heaven and lowest of Hell. An already top author for earlier urban fantasy triumphs, I was keen to give this author a go in an all new urban fantasy series.

A Terrible Fall of Angels introduces a human who has certain magical gifts that connect him strongly with angels and led to much of his early life spent living with and trained by others like him before tragedy struck and he left that world to make a new life for himself in the outside world that included the military first and now law enforcement. Zaniel ‘Havoc’ Havelock is a seasoned veteran detective and this new case forces him to confront his past and learn what he never knew about the College of Angels, an old friend, and his own powerful gift. His demonic opponent is formidable and a mystery even to the angels.

One of my favorite parts of starting a new urban fantasy series is getting introduced to an all new world especially when the author is gifted enough to paint a vivid picture of that world. This book introduces the world and the characters in a way that was slower, but not a big dump. The plot is interspersed with the ‘getting to know you’ stuff and intense action scenes and teasing intrigues that may or may not get answered in this book or the rest of the series.

Zaniel is a guy still coming into his own after a unique past, growing up at the College of Angels and groomed to work with angel magic until one fateful event, a born protector who runs toward trouble and danger if it will save others and ends up in jobs like the military or the police where he can do what he’s good at. But, his job has cost him and he is having to fight to get his wife and son back because his wife is unable to deal with his career (though he was doing it when she met and married him).

She masks her fear that he will be lost in the line of duty by her unreasonable anger that Zaniel can only scratch his head about. For example, in their therapy session, she gets mad if he looks at her, but then turns around and gets mad if he doesn’t look at her. She gets mad and accuses him of spying on her and seeing someone behind her back when she is the one flipping out when he talks on the phone to a woman co-worker and she was the one who proposed they start seeing other people- which he has not. This stressful personal side to the story does take up at least half of the book with the case he is working. Honestly, I can appreciate that the author wanted Zaniel’s life to be cemented in reality with this situation with his wife, but I do hope it resolves soon and doesn’t drag on. I could care less if he gets back with his wife the way she is acting and trying to manipulate him, but the poor guy thinks he’s miserable without her. Good thing he has a demon murdering people and hurting his co-workers to keep him occupied.

I don’t know how to make this point without probably getting misunderstood and offending some folks, but I wanted to point it out because it was prevalent and, frankly, got tedious. The author made meticulous efforts- walking on egg shells, really- to broadcast inclusiveness, equality, and sensitivity to current social and cultural issues. She would pull over and park on it rather than smoothing it in with the progression of the plot.

The action scenes were great combo of cop work and magic. The author didn’t stint on these and I felt I was right in the moment. Zaniel and his fellow cops were really in a battle when they were face to face with the demon. Things got gritty and dire. Then there was the mysterious magical artifact that really wrecked havoc and Zaniel was forced to call on angelic power he was afraid to use. Just the sort of excitement I enjoy in an urban fantasy.

Like any good urban fantasy series foundation book, A Terrible Fall of Angels has all the good stuff going for it: introduction of a core group of fascinating and complex characters including Zaniel, curious and mysteries threads that are left open, relationships introduced, and of course the promise of an expanding series universe that includes angels and demons. It did the job of whetting my appetite for more. There is no cliffhanger, but enough after the main arc of the book was completed to make one desire the next book.

This is a good time for other readers to get in on the ground floor for this urban fantasy with a supernatural world that focuses on angels and demons and the humans who hold the middle ground.

This was my first read by this author so I have nothing to compare this new series to. I've always been curious about Ms. Hamilton's work because of the popularity of her Anita Blake books. However, as a blogger I just didn't have the time to attempt an established 28 book series when I have so many ARC obligations on my plate. That's why I jumped at the chance to try out her new Zaniel Havelock series. My first impression here was that she's a big fan of detail. Normally that's a good thing to have intricate world building in urban fantasy. In this case, it was on the opposite side of the spectrum from "too little, too late." There were supernatural lessons like these littered through every chapter- even in the middle of character building, internal dialogue.

You take your time to get a good grasp on what is being explained, but the problem is that the infernal creature committing murders in the central mystery plot breaks all the rules in the rulebook. So this thing has abilities that contradict everything we've been told and by the end of the book, there was only the barest hint of why that could be. I understand that this is the introduction to a very long series and we should expect things to be drawn out far into the future, but I felt that the purpose of this book was to simply teach us who the characters were and begin to explain the world they live in. There were many different plot arcs such as Zaniel's marriage difficulties, his friend Levanael's mental illness recovery, his mysterious past affair with a Seraphim, the events that broke his faith in the college of angels, and attempting to piece together the mystery of the demon possessed/merged Cookson. The plot was so erratic, jumping from one point to another, that your attention never truly has time to engage with any one thing. To be frank, my favorite parts of the book were the action sequences where Zaniel was facing off with the demonic being. All of the other parts were often rambling, disjointed scenes stuck together.

Zaniel grew up in the College of Angels. For a long time, he believed that he was training for a higher purpose and putting his supernatural gifts with angels to good use. He and his best friends Surrie and Lev were like the three musketeers in the strict religious faction he lived in until he broke away and joined the military. Something happened to severely disillusion him and I sensed that it was caused by the leaders in particular. However, what they were being taught about angels and demons actually seemed valid. Zaniel himself truly has the ability to communicate with angels and yet he feels as if he has just been indoctrinated by the group.

Zaniel is able to withstand holy fire and speak with the higher forms of Celestial beings without dying or going crazy. Surrie helps heal people who are demon touched-once again, a true ability. She's even called in as a consultant for one of Zaniel's jobs on the force. And yet, the college is classified as a cult by Zaniel and the rest of society. There was even a Netflix documentary about their cult-like practice of recruiting children and then permanently keeping them from their parents. Why would the police force recruit help from a cult? That would be like recruiting a Scientologist even though its been established that they are brainwashed at best and criminals at worst. The definition of a cult is a religious sect considered to be extremist or false. Most of the time led by one charismatic or deranged leader. Holding the kids captive fits, the extreme rules forced on the members, the disassociation from members who leave...they fit. So then why are they teaching them legitimate skills rooted in truth? Why did Zaniel feel loyalty towards the "masters" at the College when they very clearly failed his friend and ruined his mind for over a decade? I was baffled as to why he seemed to be defending them when Levanael confided in him that they played a large role in his tragic break from reality. It didn't begin to come together for me.

Again, I get that there will be many books to come in the series that will potentially shed some light on all of my questions and inconsistencies. I just don't know if I am suitably invested in our hero Zaniel enough to wade any deeper into these murky waters. I felt like he was a good guy for the most part, but I didn't get a full grasp of what shaped him to be who he is now. And by the time book two comes around, the characters and plot points will need to be refreshed in my mind all over again. If you love complex stories and paranormal series with very detailed world building this could very well be the book for you. Unfortunately, this one was just okay for me so I think I may have to throw in the towel here.