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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
K.A. Merikan once again delivered!! What an incredible love story! Dark and grisly, haunting, and full of raw, deep emotions and yet also oddly sweet and romantic. And oh the love between Gabriel and his angel of vengeance!! The story takes a couple of surprising twists, gut-wrenching ones that wreaked havoc on my heart and blood pressure. Brilliantly done!!
Gabriel is a gentle, almost angelic MC, who’s is plagued by harrowing nightmares and lives far away from society, for all intents and purposes trapped in the orphanage he grew up in. His sweet disposition and wide-eyed innocence coupled with his mental anguish make him into the kind of MC it’s easy to root for. I loved every moment of Abaddon protecting him and caring for him, making Gabriel feel so very safe for the first time in a long, long time. Their roles seem very clear, but at a certain point the tables are turned and Gabriel is there for Abaddon to lean on. Loved that so much.
Abaddon is a wonderfully intriguing character, and I loved that while he appears near invincible and confident about his divine purpose at first, later on we discover that nothing is as it seems. Abaddon, Lord of Locusts, is no stranger to pain and suffering and is vulnerable in an unexpected way.
There’s a spooky, scary atmosphere in this story and the setting certainly doesn’t scream romance, but all of that really helps to make it a gripping read and the light of the love between Abaddon and Gabriel shines even brighter in the darkness that surrounds them.
Recommend this so much!!
Gabriel is a gentle, almost angelic MC, who’s is plagued by harrowing nightmares and lives far away from society, for all intents and purposes trapped in the orphanage he grew up in. His sweet disposition and wide-eyed innocence coupled with his mental anguish make him into the kind of MC it’s easy to root for. I loved every moment of Abaddon protecting him and caring for him, making Gabriel feel so very safe for the first time in a long, long time. Their roles seem very clear, but at a certain point the tables are turned and Gabriel is there for Abaddon to lean on. Loved that so much.
Abaddon is a wonderfully intriguing character, and I loved that while he appears near invincible and confident about his divine purpose at first, later on we discover that nothing is as it seems. Abaddon, Lord of Locusts, is no stranger to pain and suffering and is vulnerable in an unexpected way.
There’s a spooky, scary atmosphere in this story and the setting certainly doesn’t scream romance, but all of that really helps to make it a gripping read and the light of the love between Abaddon and Gabriel shines even brighter in the darkness that surrounds them.
Recommend this so much!!
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What the hell was this. Dnf @ 7%
This was a waste of time.
I was in a reading slump and this did not help what so ever.
I have dnfed lots of this authors work and my dumbass really thought I wasn’t gonna Dnf this.
The first chapter was the only enjoyable thing in this book (I literally only got to chapter three) and even that dragged in for too long.
There’s one more book by this author I have on my TBR, and after this, I really don’t have much hope for it.☠️
This was a waste of time.
I was in a reading slump and this did not help what so ever.
I have dnfed lots of this authors work and my dumbass really thought I wasn’t gonna Dnf this.
The first chapter was the only enjoyable thing in this book (I literally only got to chapter three) and even that dragged in for too long.
There’s one more book by this author I have on my TBR, and after this, I really don’t have much hope for it.☠️
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Didn’t realize that romantic horror was a type of book that existed until I read this one, but that’s exactly what this felt like to me. Not a preferred genre for me, if I’m honest. The plot twist wasn’t wholly surprising, but the hints leading to it only started to appear maybe halfway through the book.
Lots happening at the beginning and the end with slower pacing in the middle. Not a great book for me personally, but that’s more because of my preferred genres rather than because of the book itself.
I echo what other reviewers have said: check the content warnings before proceeding!! There is some dark stuff in this book, and there’s a lot of it. So be prepared going in.
Lots happening at the beginning and the end with slower pacing in the middle. Not a great book for me personally, but that’s more because of my preferred genres rather than because of the book itself.
I echo what other reviewers have said: check the content warnings before proceeding!! There is some dark stuff in this book, and there’s a lot of it. So be prepared going in.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 Stars
“I shall keep you safe. You’re alive because the Almighty has other plans for you, and I am here to carry out his will. So help me God, I will make sure you’re no longer plagued by the shadows who stole your innocence,” Abaddon said and stepped back when the boy stopped struggling.
Gabriel has had to endure so much suffering in his life at the orphanage. Except for Mrs. Knight, no one has ever really cared for him or been on his side. He has been gaslighted for 10 years and made to think he's crazy. Then all of a sudden he walks in on this incredible scene where he first sees Abaddon.
“I am Abaddon, the Lord of locusts. The Angel of Destruction. I hold the key to the Bottomless Pit.”
“I know what’s been done to you, poor lamb, and I will avenge you.”
Abaddon tries to show Gabriel that he is not crazy and that Abaddon is here to help him and show him love. But it's hard for Gabriel to believe because he doesn't even trust his own perception of reality.
Gabriel wanted to believe. Wanted to believe that just this once, God had looked down on him with kindness and had sent him this angel.
Gabriel and Abaddon get to know each other and come to really care for one another while plotting their revenge. There are a lot of very sweet times...
Abaddon’s presence made his body and soul come alive in ways it never before had. His heart beat faster, his face got hotter, his palms sweated. And like a wax candle in front of a bonfire, he might just melt at Abaddon’s altar.
...and some scorching hot sex scenes
Abaddon placed his hands on Gabriel’s hips and leaned in, crooking his head as he gave the tip of Gabriel’s dick the gentlest lick. It was like being.…touched by an angel. Only this was nothing like the stories Gabriel had been read as a child, because the touch of this angel made his toes curl and his balls tighten. With a soft sigh on his mouth, he placed both hands in the damp hair as soon as Abaddon settled on his knees, ready to serve him.
Abaddon conveniently always seems to know the most helpful things at the most helpful times. Is this knowledge coming directly from God? Even Abaddon isn't entirely sure, but he tries not to question it because he cannot remember anything before showing up to the orphanage.
Around 70% into the book, you start to feel that something is coming. I was feeling nervous reading it. You can feel an impending reveal. What will it be? You think you have some ideas, but you would never guess this twist.
The epilogue was wonderful. So sweet and well deserved for both of the MCs. These two saved each other.
You protect me, you showed me the truth, and you’re avenging my pain. You weren’t the only one born here, because a new future for me was your twin.”
“I shall keep you safe. You’re alive because the Almighty has other plans for you, and I am here to carry out his will. So help me God, I will make sure you’re no longer plagued by the shadows who stole your innocence,” Abaddon said and stepped back when the boy stopped struggling.
Gabriel has had to endure so much suffering in his life at the orphanage. Except for Mrs. Knight, no one has ever really cared for him or been on his side. He has been gaslighted for 10 years and made to think he's crazy. Then all of a sudden he walks in on this incredible scene where he first sees Abaddon.
“I am Abaddon, the Lord of locusts. The Angel of Destruction. I hold the key to the Bottomless Pit.”
“I know what’s been done to you, poor lamb, and I will avenge you.”
Abaddon tries to show Gabriel that he is not crazy and that Abaddon is here to help him and show him love. But it's hard for Gabriel to believe because he doesn't even trust his own perception of reality.
Gabriel wanted to believe. Wanted to believe that just this once, God had looked down on him with kindness and had sent him this angel.
Gabriel and Abaddon get to know each other and come to really care for one another while plotting their revenge. There are a lot of very sweet times...
Abaddon’s presence made his body and soul come alive in ways it never before had. His heart beat faster, his face got hotter, his palms sweated. And like a wax candle in front of a bonfire, he might just melt at Abaddon’s altar.
...and some scorching hot sex scenes
Abaddon placed his hands on Gabriel’s hips and leaned in, crooking his head as he gave the tip of Gabriel’s dick the gentlest lick. It was like being.…touched by an angel. Only this was nothing like the stories Gabriel had been read as a child, because the touch of this angel made his toes curl and his balls tighten. With a soft sigh on his mouth, he placed both hands in the damp hair as soon as Abaddon settled on his knees, ready to serve him.
Abaddon conveniently always seems to know the most helpful things at the most helpful times. Is this knowledge coming directly from God? Even Abaddon isn't entirely sure, but he tries not to question it because he cannot remember anything before showing up to the orphanage.
Around 70% into the book, you start to feel that something is coming. I was feeling nervous reading it. You can feel an impending reveal. What will it be? You think you have some ideas, but you would never guess this twist.
Spoiler
“I may not be God’s dagger, but I will always be yours,” Adam said softly as Father John’s soul left his body.The epilogue was wonderful. So sweet and well deserved for both of the MCs. These two saved each other.
You protect me, you showed me the truth, and you’re avenging my pain. You weren’t the only one born here, because a new future for me was your twin.”
I sat with my feelings for a bit after finishing this story. I’m conflicted. What I can say for certainty is I really appreciated the artistry in which this story was woven. It was incredibly unique and I LOVE stories that don’t follow the usual narrative.
It’s dark, trust those TW. However, it’s also beautiful. The visuals are done so well, from the depictions of gorgeous stained glass in the windows, to the dark forrest, the spider infested hidden passageways and the creepy attic, with a killing count on the wall. (not to mention the sacrificial temple) The flashbacks, the foreshadowing, the symbolism all there to get your mind questioning everything.
There were delusions within delusions until I couldn’t tell what the truth was, I’m still a bit confused about a few things.
“I don’t know what to believe. I don’t know what’s real and what’s imagined anymore...What if this is some elaborate nightmare?”
Exactly Gabriel, same here.
Despite all the confusion and gore, I really loved this unique relationship between someone who felt his it was his soul’s purpose to avenge and save another. Abaddon and Gabriel are the same, yet complete opposites. Abaddon is strong, gentle and caring (with Gabriel). Gabriel is a quivering lamb craving positive attention and love. It was a match made in heaven...urm, wherever - they were adorable.
I could have used another steamy scene with the two once they were settled, but I’m greedy with my romances.
Random thoughts:
I was wondering what exactly
Also, what happened to Harry? Were we just going to take that creepyass Father John’s explanation that he’s a priest and living only a few miles away?
Why did Abaddon constantly smell like dirt and ‘stones pulled out of a fire’ even after he showered?
That piranha scene was gruesome but also kinda campy like a cheesy horror flick. I laughed when I probably shouldn’t have.
I was surprised when the mmc was also a vegetarian like the last leading man in a Merikan story. Could just be a coincidence, or maybe this is a theme they have with all their mmc?
I REALLY wanted them to
Check the TW if you’re sensitive AT ALL to anything involving cult/child sacrifice/extreme abuse/torture/self harm.
Ends with a hea/hfn.
Huge thanks to Dan for recommending this one to me!
It’s dark, trust those TW. However, it’s also beautiful. The visuals are done so well, from the depictions of gorgeous stained glass in the windows, to the dark forrest, the spider infested hidden passageways and the creepy attic, with a killing count on the wall. (not to mention the sacrificial temple) The flashbacks, the foreshadowing, the symbolism all there to get your mind questioning everything.
There were delusions within delusions until I couldn’t tell what the truth was, I’m still a bit confused about a few things.
“I don’t know what to believe. I don’t know what’s real and what’s imagined anymore...What if this is some elaborate nightmare?”
Exactly Gabriel, same here.
Despite all the confusion and gore, I really loved this unique relationship between someone who felt his it was his soul’s purpose to avenge and save another. Abaddon and Gabriel are the same, yet complete opposites. Abaddon is strong, gentle and caring (with Gabriel). Gabriel is a quivering lamb craving positive attention and love. It was a match made in heaven...urm, wherever - they were adorable.
I could have used another steamy scene with the two once they were settled, but I’m greedy with my romances.
Random thoughts:
I was wondering what exactly
Spoiler
happened to those children that were “isolated in a clinic because they had a virus” but in reality were going to be the next sacrifices? Did someone find them and rescue them?Also, what happened to Harry? Were we just going to take that creepyass Father John’s explanation that he’s a priest and living only a few miles away?
Why did Abaddon constantly smell like dirt and ‘stones pulled out of a fire’ even after he showered?
That piranha scene was gruesome but also kinda campy like a cheesy horror flick. I laughed when I probably shouldn’t have.
I was surprised when the mmc was also a vegetarian like the last leading man in a Merikan story. Could just be a coincidence, or maybe this is a theme they have with all their mmc?
I REALLY wanted them to
Spoiler
adopt the baby at the end! I know, I know, they were not exactly parent material, but I do think they could have healed quite a bit in raising a child together. Plus it was Abaddon/Adam’s half sibling!Check the TW if you’re sensitive AT ALL to anything involving cult/child sacrifice/extreme abuse/torture/self harm.
Ends with a hea/hfn.
Huge thanks to Dan for recommending this one to me!
Amazing
Wow! 100% need to read the trigger warnings here as this book is super Dark and covers some majorly heavy themes. That said, this book is absolutely amazing.
Now how to tell you how and why without spoiling it! My heart broke for Gabriel. He has been though so much and has been so badly mistreated by everyone around him. When he walks in on vengeance being dealt by Abaddon he decides this must be a delusion from not taking his medication that day.
What comes next is a tale of intrigue and vengeance with so many twists and turns that you’ll be kept curious right to the very end.
This book is so well written and you just can’t help but love Gabriel and rage with him. I was drawn in from the very first page and didn’t want to put it down without knowing what happened next. Amazing.
Wow! 100% need to read the trigger warnings here as this book is super Dark and covers some majorly heavy themes. That said, this book is absolutely amazing.
Now how to tell you how and why without spoiling it! My heart broke for Gabriel. He has been though so much and has been so badly mistreated by everyone around him. When he walks in on vengeance being dealt by Abaddon he decides this must be a delusion from not taking his medication that day.
What comes next is a tale of intrigue and vengeance with so many twists and turns that you’ll be kept curious right to the very end.
This book is so well written and you just can’t help but love Gabriel and rage with him. I was drawn in from the very first page and didn’t want to put it down without knowing what happened next. Amazing.