Heaven Corp, Book 1
Catching two demon burglars is routine for Gabriel 1089, who’s one cog in an army of cybernetically modified humans protecting the sky city of Heaven. Until two turns into a twenty-demon ambush. When he wakes up, he’s missing his network-enabled halo—and one of his metal wings.
The down-level junk dealer tending Gabe’s wounds has hands that spark nerve endings he never knew he possessed. But for an angel cut off from Heaven, an attic in Old Trent feels more like a trap than a sanctuary.
Demons on his doorstep are nothing new for Jeff Werth. Ever since they saved his daughter’s legs, they’ve been calling in their marker. In exchange for his services—nursing Gabe back to health so they can use him as a pawn in their war with Heaven—they’ll consider the debt paid in full. Except having a powerless angel at his mercy feeds a rising desire that has him rethinking the deal.
Then the de-haloed Gabe begins having dreams that become visions…then memories. Until he’s not sure whose side he’s on. Heaven, or the simple family man who healed his broken wings…and made his heart whole.
Why I bought it: The blurb. I like futuristic, post-apocalyptic fic.
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ A BigM. Me, I can take or leave the BigM depending on, like all themes, tropes, whatevers, whether the author has (a) convinced me it was relevant to the development of the plot and characters and (b) it was believable. In this book, the reader is aware of the reason for the BigM from the outset. I have to admit I got a wee, bit tired of some of the angsting associated with it as well as the wait for the reveal. All in all, though, it wasn’t a huge deal for me because I got more caught up in other parts of the story.
Like~ The author’s take on the angel versus demons mythology set in a futuristic world that has been ravaged by natural disasters and is now dominated by corporations *deep breath* was intriguing and well crafted. Indeed, I thought this was pretty, damned impressive considering how convoluted the world building could have been with all the tech, etc in it.
Dislike~ More of a warning~ Some readers will see the word ‘corporations’ above and roll their eyes because what’s spec fiction without some sort of evil *insert name of organisation here*? (cont. below)
Like~ I say poo to them cos I love my individuals-rebel-and-battle-the-big-baddies stories. Hello, Star Wars anyone?! They’re awesomesauce and I shalt not hear any naysayers! Oh, and I reckon the mythological overlay provides a unique enough interpretation of this theme to shut up any doubters. There are also a few twists and turns in the plot which should keep readers on their toes.
So, what I think: I will definitely be reading more of this series. I think that says it all really. 🙂
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‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
Kris + Books = Good. *Sometimes*. 
I'm ok with corporations as the big baddies – I have a healthy grounding in cyberpunk. 😉
Very interested cover. Hm.
I've had mixed feelings about reading this, but you may have just pushed me over the edge. I added it to my wish list.
I am also not a fan of the BigM, but if you can handle it, so can I! 🙂
I bought it because of the font. I have not read it yet. Is the entire book in that font? I should get on that.
This is the second good thing I've read and I have the damn thing but I think I have to read it when I actually have the time to focus, it doesn't seem like one of those Doritos read that I can whip through while watching Glee, helping the kid with homework and cooking dinner all at the same time. Soon though, really, I will.
Awesome review!
I don't tend to like angel books. There have been a few exceptions, though.
Chris: Anarchy! Anarchy! 😛
KB: I'm not a big fan of the cover to be honest. The holes where his wings meet his back freak me the hell out.
Wren: I think there's enough other stuff going on in the story for the BigM not to be that, well, big.
Another thing to be aware of is that it is the first book in the series so there's quite a lot of background building. No to info dump proportions though so all's good.
Tam: Nope, it's not all in that font. 🙂
“… it doesn't seem like one of those Doritos read that I can whip through while watching Glee, helping the kid with homework and cooking dinner all at the same time…”
Erm, no. LOL.
Eyre: I'm with you on angel books. I like the ones that challenge what we have come to believe about these 'beings', which was one of the reasons why I really liked the author's interp of the myth. It's also quite anti-dogma in some ways.
I am a big sci-fi reader so info dumps do not bother me. I rather have them, then to second guess what is happening and why all the time.
This sounds just like something I would read. Can't think of any reason why I haven't so far.
Ingrid: There's not really an info dump here, but possibly more world building than some readers would be used to if they're not into spec fic, scifi or fantasy. If it doesn't bother you and you're a futuristic fan, I would definitely suggest that you read it. 🙂
Great, review, Kris. I bought this a while back for two reasons. I love the cover and I love sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic stuff.
Plus, I like it better when there's a good amount of world building, so I'm glad there is. ^_^
Um, what is the BigM? *hangs head*
Nikyta: LOL. A BigM is the traditional romance big misunderstanding trope. 🙂
I had no idea there was so many fans of spec fic particularly the scifi futuristic kind out there in the m/m community. This is a very cool thing to know.
I really enjoyed this story. It's not one of my favorite genres but was a pleasant surprise. And I really love the cover as well. Another great tasting. 🙂
Lily: I think it was your review which tipped me over to the 'I'm gonna but that' edge. LOL.
I oh so want to read this book. Oh….this might be a good Secret Santa book 🙂 *thinks*
Lovely tasting sweetie – thank you!
Orannia: Welcome, and, yep, it would be a great Secret Santa pick. 🙂
Sounds interesting. IDK about the Big M though. Hmmm…
Tracy: It didn't actually end up being that big of a deal so I wouldn't let it out you off too much if you're really interested.