Erryn reviews ‘Revelations (Fire and Brimstone Scroll Book 1)’ by Nikole Knight. This book was released on February 7, 2020 and is 330 pgs long. The audiobook version of this story was released May 14, 2021 narrated by Kirt Graves and is 10 hrs and 18 mins. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I’ve enjoyed the author so was game to try something new.
Riley thought he knew what to expect from college, but he never planned for angels, demons, or a team of attractive, overprotective guardians.
When one fateful night opens his eyes to a world he never knew existed, Riley Shepard must navigate a host of supernatural dangers, all while struggling with new and confusing feelings for his guardian angels. With the promise of friends, family, and freedom finally within his grasp, he fears not only for his heart but for his life, as well.
Lucky for him, some things are worth dying for.
Revelations is the first book in the slow-burn harem/poly romance series Fire & Brimstone, featuring hurt/comfort, swoon-worthy guardian angels, sexual awakening, and an unlikely hero, too innocent for his own good.
Trigger warnings include: situations of homophobia (both external and internal), past child abuse, self-harm, mental health, and one instance (prologue) of nongraphic sexual assault.
Buy Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My Review:
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this novel. I don’t read many paranormal books, but the synopsis intrigued me, and I knew when the opportunity arose to listen to this book, I had to give it a shot. No small part of that was Kirt Graves. I love his narrations and his quality of work is always stellar. He definitely helped with my enjoyment of the story.
I also want to address thee myriad of trigger warnings – all of which are necessary and important. There were moments of great suffering for the main character, Riley. I was uncomfortable and I felt that pain. Now, I am an empathetic person. That being said, there were a few moments I struggled to keep going. The stories of the abuse Riley suffered as a child were devastating. The cruelty of his foster mother knew no bounds, and then he winds up with one of the most homophobic roommates on the entire campus. It often felt like Riley couldn’t catch a break, and anytime he tried to step out and have fun, his horrendous foster mother would intervene. You’d think being away and at college would have loosened her grip, but it didn’t. Her homophobia and puritanical views were unrelenting.
Okay, so now that the tough stuff is out of the way. The whole premise intrigued me. Two Guardian angels sent to protect Riley. They do just that one night and it becomes clear Riley is in danger. Now, I’m not familiar with this worldbuilding of angels, demons, creatures, and – frankly – violence. I could, however, relate to the tenderness and kindness of Jay and Noel. Even Gideon had his moments. Riley struggles with understanding what is going on around him. He planned a nice quiet education. He’s in for so much more than that.
Riley’s naïveté spoke to me. Not everyone experiences our sexualized culture the same way. He struggles with understanding his body’s yearnings versus the religious and zealous upbringing. There are no easy answers, but I like that he didn’t just jump into bed with anyone. There are more books and I foresee a sexual awakening, but I’m counting on it being done with decorum and kindness. God knows, Riley deserves to be treasured.
And so I hope the next book is available on audio soon. I’m so glad I listened to this one – disturbing parts and all. Finally I’ll mention the humor. Plenty of it to go around, lightening the piece. The powerful piece.
My Rating:
8.5/10 Pots of Gold (85% Recommended) – Compares to 4.25/5 Stars
Nikole Knight is a born and bred Hoosier living in a top-secret location in Europe. She’s the lone female in the house, unless you count the dog, and she writes love in all its forms. When she’s not racing after a half-naked toddler or arguing with a child’s logic, Nikole can be found in her writing nook, typing away as her fingers turn to nubs.
Rainbow Gold Reviews 