West is an archangel’s assassin delivering justice to supernatural creatures who break the law. Not a straightforward job because he also has to absorb the memories of those he kills. Even worse, West is breaking the law himself in an attempt to free his brother from hell. If he doesn’t succeed before his archangel boss finds out, West will be joining his sibling.
He wants to remember
A young guy wakes in a London park with his memories gone. He has no idea who he is, or where he comes from. A bracelet engraved with the single word Tao is the only clue to his identity. With no sign of his memory returning, he drifts into a life on the streets. Begging is his only way to survive.
Two worlds collide
When Tao returns West’s stolen wallet, West offers to buy him a coffee. Tao delights in the chance to sit down with a good-looking guy until his instincts tell him to run away. Fast. West is surprised when Tao flees, considering how much he’d been mentally urging him to stay. Is he losing his touch or is Tao more than a scruffy young man down on his luck?
Only one way to find out.
Reviewer: NeRdyWRYM
Twisted Mythos
Religion. Myths. Tom-ay-to, to-mah-to. I won't get into that argument here. What I will say is that this book twisted a lot of mainstream assumptions about the mythology that goes along with religion—i.e., angels and demons—and mish-mashed them up with common supernatural phenomenon and fae and gargoyles and all kinds of other fun stuff. And that's what this was: a dark but fun ride. Dark with a capital 'D' for sure.
These MCs, and Raphael's assassin in particular, were just so ... broken. Even the archangel wasn't immune to ennui and apathy in his virtual but necessary imprisonment. The individual plotlines for the MCs intertwined and enmeshed and spun out and spiraled up and down and all around until I wondered if either one of them would ever catch a freaking break!
In all reality, they never do catch a break ... at least not when you want them to or when you think they deserve it. Frankly, there are lots of little bits of horror interspersed with some moments that are truly beautiful.
I'm sure there are things I could have picked apart with the amalgamation of all of my favorite things paranormal/religious/pseudo-religioius, etc. all smooshed into one book, but honestly, I wasn't interested in trying. What I was raptly fascinated with was the journey the MCs were swept away in.
I absolutely loved this book. Yes, I even loved it when it made me want to scream. Repeatedly. I will be watching this author like a hawk for any M/M new releases from now on.
Take a chance on this one. It's dark, it's angsty, and it's soul-destroying here and there, but it's also fascinating, enthralling, interesting and beautiful. All of that wrapped up in one package ... why resist?
Highly recommended.
More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
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An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
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