THIS is the something more that I was hoping for in Fallen Angel. Glorious romantic fantasy. Can't wait to spend more time in this universe. ( )

This is an amazing book. I was asked to read this before publication as reviewer and I fell in love with Sharon's writing. The story is rich and clever. I literally sobbed through the last 45 pages because it was so well written. It and the others in the series sit on my bookshelf in pride of place. I re-read each one every year. I cannot get enough of this story line. I believe Sharon has a book of shorts coming out this year that will have another small installment based on this series. I cannot wait to read it. Her characters are full, rich and unforgettable. I cannot recommend this book and the rest in the series highly enough. Enjoy!!! ( )

Aug09: Really wasn't expecting a romance novel, but it was still worth it.

Characters: Pretty much made the book. Only the main couple and the baddy were really fleshed out, but they were solid. Plenty of twists and turns in their mind.
Plot: Really standard actually. Hell, God even did what was expected. But even though, the bickering between the couple was enough to carry it.
Style: She built a really believable and awesome world. I was a mix of fantasy with hints of Science Fiction. The different races were distinct and believable.

Overall, it gets a tilt towards excellent. ( )

http://fantasycafe.blogspot.com/2009/... ( )

An original and successfully ambitious novel about the incoming archangel and his predestined bride in a world in which flesh and blood angels are able to call down benefits through beautifully sung prayers to a mysterious god. There are two main conflicts in the book: a power struggle between the incoming archangel, Gabriel, and the current archangel, Rafael, who, along with his followers, has been abusing his power and allowing injustices such as slavery to exist. The other struggle is between Gabriel and his god-chosen bride, Rachel, who unlike most human women has no desire to be the "angelica", who must sing with the archangel at an annual mass to prevent the destruction of the world.

While this might sound like fantasy, I labeled it science fiction because of a few oblique references to technology through which the god Jovah communicates with his seers and keeps track of his followers.

I found the story absorbing and original and am surprised it didn't garner any major awards. My only criticism is that, at times, Rachel's antipathy toward Gabriel seemed excessive. That quibble aside, I am eager to read the next books in the series. ( )