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Fallen Angel #1
Heart of Stone
I’m Gabriel Stone. Half human. Half angel. And poker-playing badass.
Thrown outta Heaven for gambling sins, I’m forced to hunt demons on Earth for a living. So when a fat bounty for a fire demon turns up at the Angel Guild, I’m straight on the case.
But this isn’t any regular fire demon. He’s already wasted two half-angel bounty hunters and zapped a bunch of Russian mafia shifters. Only a master in dark arts could’ve raised such a powerful entity and they must’ve had a damn good reason.
Maybe it’s got something to do with the siren I won in a card game; the one with the magical powers no regular siren should possess. She’s got this demon all worked up in his mission to raise Hell and it’s my job to stop him.
I hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew.
Cause if I have, Hell itself will come to Earth. And that would not be cool.
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Heart of Stone is the first book in an exciting new urban fantasy series. Take a trip with Gabriel Stone across a Chicago teeming with gangster vampires, cartel super werewolves, cranky fae kings and talking trees. If you’re a fan of authors such as Jim Butcher, Ilona Andrews or JA Cipriano, you’ll love Heart of Stone. Buy your copy today!
Thrown outta Heaven for gambling sins, I’m forced to hunt demons on Earth for a living. So when a fat bounty for a fire demon turns up at the Angel Guild, I’m straight on the case.
But this isn’t any regular fire demon. He’s already wasted two half-angel bounty hunters and zapped a bunch of Russian mafia shifters. Only a master in dark arts could’ve raised such a powerful entity and they must’ve had a damn good reason.
Maybe it’s got something to do with the siren I won in a card game; the one with the magical powers no regular siren should possess. She’s got this demon all worked up in his mission to raise Hell and it’s my job to stop him.
I hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew.
Cause if I have, Hell itself will come to Earth. And that would not be cool.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heart of Stone is the first book in an exciting new urban fantasy series. Take a trip with Gabriel Stone across a Chicago teeming with gangster vampires, cartel super werewolves, cranky fae kings and talking trees. If you’re a fan of authors such as Jim Butcher, Ilona Andrews or JA Cipriano, you’ll love Heart of Stone. Buy your copy today!
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 29, 2017
What an interesting book. Supernatural suspense, Gabriel Stone is a fallen half-angel, half-human poker player. But being a demon bounty hunter can not be an easy job. This book kind of reminded me of Supernatural the TV show and the movie Legion. I was grabbed by this book and it's characters. I can't wait to see where this series goes. * I received this book from the author and this is my honest review*
September 29, 2017
Maybe this book taught me a valuable lesson: when a book description includes 'if you like... you'll like...' I can pretty much count on disappointment. Not only dropping names like Jim Butcher but Kevin Hearne on Amazon! Seriously, have you read their books?
Heart of Stone has a pretty cool cover but you've all heard what they say about book covers, right?
For actual content, my first complaint is our hero, Gabriel Stone, is dumb. He makes a lot of rookie mistakes and errors of judgement. Second, there are quite a few spots bogged down with over-description, especially slowing the action scenes. Third, the humor isn't humorous and also slows the pace while readers roll their eyes.
I highly doubt I'll read the sequel.
Heart of Stone has a pretty cool cover but you've all heard what they say about book covers, right?
For actual content, my first complaint is our hero, Gabriel Stone, is dumb. He makes a lot of rookie mistakes and errors of judgement. Second, there are quite a few spots bogged down with over-description, especially slowing the action scenes. Third, the humor isn't humorous and also slows the pace while readers roll their eyes.
I highly doubt I'll read the sequel.
June 2, 2017
While this is a fast-paced supernatural story filled with action and suspense, and sprinkled with humor, it does have some issues.
I enjoyed Gabriel Stone’s character, a fallen angel with a penchant for poker. Now, as a demon bounty hunter on Earth, he’s trying to earn his wings back to make his way to his beloved in heaven.
Seeing Gabriel’s weapons in action was entertaining. He wields Excalibur and carries Bam Bam—both who talk due to being inhabited by the souls of their previous owners—and uses white light—his brand of magic as a half-angel—to his advantage.
My favorite non-human character is Godzilla, Gabriel’s pet Komodo dragon. As the owner of a bearded dragon, though much smaller than a Komodo, I recognize that reptiles have personalities, much like other “normal” pets, and I understood the affection between human and reptile.
As a story told in first person point of view, I understand that the speech patterns are meant to fit Gabriel; however, the abundance of em was very annoying to read. Even if the protagonist wouldn’t actually use the proper pronoun them, and instead abbreviates it, ’em is the correct replacement, as the apostrophe replaces a letter or letters that has been dropped. Same goes with till. Though Merriam-Webster has entered it as proper usage for until, in my professional opinion ’til should be used when a character is unable to utter an extra syllable. Another issue for me was the use of me and Mia. How many times can a phrase be used improperly? In the case of this book, an annoyingly high number of times.
As a fiction editor, pet peeves like these stand out to me; however, the average reader probably won’t notice them. It’s an entertaining story filled with supernatural creatures, so just ignore me and get the book if you aren’t as uptight as I am about grammar.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I enjoyed Gabriel Stone’s character, a fallen angel with a penchant for poker. Now, as a demon bounty hunter on Earth, he’s trying to earn his wings back to make his way to his beloved in heaven.
Seeing Gabriel’s weapons in action was entertaining. He wields Excalibur and carries Bam Bam—both who talk due to being inhabited by the souls of their previous owners—and uses white light—his brand of magic as a half-angel—to his advantage.
My favorite non-human character is Godzilla, Gabriel’s pet Komodo dragon. As the owner of a bearded dragon, though much smaller than a Komodo, I recognize that reptiles have personalities, much like other “normal” pets, and I understood the affection between human and reptile.
As a story told in first person point of view, I understand that the speech patterns are meant to fit Gabriel; however, the abundance of em was very annoying to read. Even if the protagonist wouldn’t actually use the proper pronoun them, and instead abbreviates it, ’em is the correct replacement, as the apostrophe replaces a letter or letters that has been dropped. Same goes with till. Though Merriam-Webster has entered it as proper usage for until, in my professional opinion ’til should be used when a character is unable to utter an extra syllable. Another issue for me was the use of me and Mia. How many times can a phrase be used improperly? In the case of this book, an annoyingly high number of times.
As a fiction editor, pet peeves like these stand out to me; however, the average reader probably won’t notice them. It’s an entertaining story filled with supernatural creatures, so just ignore me and get the book if you aren’t as uptight as I am about grammar.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 24, 2017
A fallen angel, clipped of his wings, Gabriel Stone has been banished to Earth, where his job is to defend against invading demons. When his former Siren associate is killed, he goes in search of a replacement. He learns of a Siren being offered as a prize in a poker game, he disguises himself and joins the game. Through a bit of trickery, he wins her, and Aurora, a Siren with special powers not possessed by other Sirens, becomes a part of his life.
Together, they must defend Earth against a renewed assault by Beelzebub, as a fire demon, and treachery within the guild of Fallen Angels.
Heart of Stone by Leo Romero is the first book in the Fallen Angel series, and if it’s any guide, this is a series worth following. Despite the serious-sounding theme, this story was a laugh riot. Gabriel is a hoot as an angel, with a teenage daughter to contend with, and emotions that are all-too human. Aurora makes a perfect foil for his slightly rakish nature, as the two of them develop a relationship that is more partnership than his usual master-acolyte situation with Sirens. All of the characters, even the demons, are good for comic relief as well as devilish action.
Trust me when I say, you’ll enjoy this book. I received a free copy.
Together, they must defend Earth against a renewed assault by Beelzebub, as a fire demon, and treachery within the guild of Fallen Angels.
Heart of Stone by Leo Romero is the first book in the Fallen Angel series, and if it’s any guide, this is a series worth following. Despite the serious-sounding theme, this story was a laugh riot. Gabriel is a hoot as an angel, with a teenage daughter to contend with, and emotions that are all-too human. Aurora makes a perfect foil for his slightly rakish nature, as the two of them develop a relationship that is more partnership than his usual master-acolyte situation with Sirens. All of the characters, even the demons, are good for comic relief as well as devilish action.
Trust me when I say, you’ll enjoy this book. I received a free copy.
January 20, 2018
💫 Divinely Entertaining Urban Fantasy 💫
Magnificent story with a unique blend of polarities. Heaven and hell! Grit and glory! Demons and angels, and a multitude of the things inbetween. This bargains for a versatile storyline with exhilarating twists and unexpected happenings. As stunning as it is all the characters regardless of their magnitude in the story is cleverly and swiftly made vivid. When you pay attention to the main characters; they are more than vivid, more than multi dimensional, to the point where you as a reader feel like you actually are them, and that this is your adventure.
Its a Urban modern story, but timeless at the same time. This is the very first book I’ve read of this author but it most certainly wont be the last. Its refreshing and noteworthy the style that this author have, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly it is, i guess it just has to be experienced. As always there is the difference in focus, between when a male author writes and when a female author writes. (Such as the less central importance of perimeter details, Lull lull, emotional display, and the way things are explained).. In this case its a great benefit to the story. Anyone who loves a good book, within this genre has a guaranteed favourite to be found in this authors writing.
Magnificent story with a unique blend of polarities. Heaven and hell! Grit and glory! Demons and angels, and a multitude of the things inbetween. This bargains for a versatile storyline with exhilarating twists and unexpected happenings. As stunning as it is all the characters regardless of their magnitude in the story is cleverly and swiftly made vivid. When you pay attention to the main characters; they are more than vivid, more than multi dimensional, to the point where you as a reader feel like you actually are them, and that this is your adventure.
Its a Urban modern story, but timeless at the same time. This is the very first book I’ve read of this author but it most certainly wont be the last. Its refreshing and noteworthy the style that this author have, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly it is, i guess it just has to be experienced. As always there is the difference in focus, between when a male author writes and when a female author writes. (Such as the less central importance of perimeter details, Lull lull, emotional display, and the way things are explained).. In this case its a great benefit to the story. Anyone who loves a good book, within this genre has a guaranteed favourite to be found in this authors writing.
June 19, 2017
A fallen Half-Angel bounty hunter, a Siren who is more than she seems, a fire demon, the Fey King, all in Chicago? Sounds like a job for Harry Dresden! But it's wrong!!!! Gabriel Stone, card shark extraordinaire, kicked out of Heaven, makes his living hunting down Hell's minions for the Angel's Guild while balancing his life with his 18-year old daughter. With the help of Excalibur (fused with the spirit of Arthur I, yes THAT Arthur and a similarly occupied pistol must take down a fire demon who has already slain 2 members of his Guild, a Guild that seems more hostile towards him than the demons he hunts!
Leo Romero haunts Jim Butcher's sandbox with an outstandingly deep character in Gabriel Stone, once a man, once an angel, who has died, been to Purgatory and cast out of Heaven for running a shady poker game. I could see Bruce Willis as Stone in a movie of this book, he has that kind of snark. I want to see more of Gabriel Stone, not because it's set in the Midwest but it wasn't set in NY or LA and has the potential to equal the long and well-established Dresden Files with a different but equally complex set of characters and interactions with authority Romero wasn't shy about pulling the trigger on Judeo-Christian legends to incorporate in his story. A great read for those who love fantasy in a modern setting.
Leo Romero haunts Jim Butcher's sandbox with an outstandingly deep character in Gabriel Stone, once a man, once an angel, who has died, been to Purgatory and cast out of Heaven for running a shady poker game. I could see Bruce Willis as Stone in a movie of this book, he has that kind of snark. I want to see more of Gabriel Stone, not because it's set in the Midwest but it wasn't set in NY or LA and has the potential to equal the long and well-established Dresden Files with a different but equally complex set of characters and interactions with authority Romero wasn't shy about pulling the trigger on Judeo-Christian legends to incorporate in his story. A great read for those who love fantasy in a modern setting.
Read
February 15, 2022I dnf'ed this book at 59%. Which bums me out because this seemed to have a lot of positive reviews. I was excited to read this, hoping to find a new series to binge.
I wanted to quit earlier but kept reading. I kept getting irritated with this story. I never clicked with the main character, and found him annoying. Some of the storyline was interesting.
Minor Spoilers Ahead!
Look, I love Urban Fantasy. And I love angels in Urban Fantasy. There were some aspects of the storyline that had a lot of potential. I like the Fallen angels bounty hunting demons. The taking of a case in order to get a day pass to visit the love of his life was an awesome idea.
But the fact that everything seemed sentient worked on my nerves too. A gun, a sword, demon armor...ugh. It got old very quickly. Once the girl was revealed to be a Fairie princess, I was out. I pushed past that part because I really, really, really wanted to like this one.
I hate not finishing.
I wanted to quit earlier but kept reading. I kept getting irritated with this story. I never clicked with the main character, and found him annoying. Some of the storyline was interesting.
Minor Spoilers Ahead!
Look, I love Urban Fantasy. And I love angels in Urban Fantasy. There were some aspects of the storyline that had a lot of potential. I like the Fallen angels bounty hunting demons. The taking of a case in order to get a day pass to visit the love of his life was an awesome idea.
But the fact that everything seemed sentient worked on my nerves too. A gun, a sword, demon armor...ugh. It got old very quickly. Once the girl was revealed to be a Fairie princess, I was out. I pushed past that part because I really, really, really wanted to like this one.
I hate not finishing.
July 10, 2017
Funny, engaging great story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and had some hilarious moments, especially with good ole Seamus! The plot surprisingly wasn't as predictable as I thought which is an A++, for a first book in the series. I really how well the author blended the fantasy world with the real world making the overall atmosphere enjoyable! Although the author repeated a lot of the same words like despondent and trepidation i felt he could have used different synonyms would have not felt so repetitive but other then that I can't wait to read the next one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and had some hilarious moments, especially with good ole Seamus! The plot surprisingly wasn't as predictable as I thought which is an A++, for a first book in the series. I really how well the author blended the fantasy world with the real world making the overall atmosphere enjoyable! Although the author repeated a lot of the same words like despondent and trepidation i felt he could have used different synonyms would have not felt so repetitive but other then that I can't wait to read the next one!
May 14, 2017
What a funny book. Story of Fallen Angel Gabriel who works as a bounty hunter for the Angle Guild to make ends meet after getting kicked out of heaven after only being an angel for a few years. I found the writing to be good and the story outright hilarious in a few spots. Thought Gabriel was funny due to him having the same problems as any other person. Loved him griping about the Big Kahuna. Found how demons are summoned to earth just as funny. Liked that it was a clean story with clean battle scenes. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Well worth reading for a good laugh.
June 12, 2019
The hero is a sweet-hearted rough macho man.
It reminds me of all those great parodies of spaghetti westerns.
He's challenging himself from keep stepping into an unforeseen life, whatever happens, just keep going and never let anyone behind.
I loved this romance, I loved the characters and the plot. I am eagerly looking forward to keeping reading it.
There are all my pop cultural references; there is me, somehow, in this book. I liked it, I loved it!
It reminds me of all those great parodies of spaghetti westerns.
He's challenging himself from keep stepping into an unforeseen life, whatever happens, just keep going and never let anyone behind.
I loved this romance, I loved the characters and the plot. I am eagerly looking forward to keeping reading it.
There are all my pop cultural references; there is me, somehow, in this book. I liked it, I loved it!
May 7, 2017
New slant on a new hero
Gabriel Stone is not your everyday angel , or gambler either. A unique combination of characteristics make this hero one to look out for,in every way that is important. The story is a fast ride through fantasy memes to a confrontation that would test any hero.
Gabriel Stone is not your everyday angel , or gambler either. A unique combination of characteristics make this hero one to look out for,in every way that is important. The story is a fast ride through fantasy memes to a confrontation that would test any hero.
February 9, 2019
Good and enjoyable
I kinda enjoyed this book in a weird way. Had it in my library for a while before reading and it was my kind of story. The author didn't try to confuse me with too many characters or weird plot twists and I appreciate that. Will definitely read the second book at some stage.
I kinda enjoyed this book in a weird way. Had it in my library for a while before reading and it was my kind of story. The author didn't try to confuse me with too many characters or weird plot twists and I appreciate that. Will definitely read the second book at some stage.
July 12, 2017
Great Urban fantasy
Kind of a cool concept, an angel tossed out of heaven for gambling. Lots of action, twists and turns. Nice mix of supernatural creatures. The werewolves were portrayed as a little too fragile for my liking.
Overall a good read.
Kind of a cool concept, an angel tossed out of heaven for gambling. Lots of action, twists and turns. Nice mix of supernatural creatures. The werewolves were portrayed as a little too fragile for my liking.
Overall a good read.
November 29, 2017
This was a good read. Worth checking out if you enjoy The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.
Here is my full review:
http://jugglingdragonworm.blogspot.co...
Here is my full review:
http://jugglingdragonworm.blogspot.co...
June 3, 2017
I had a lot of fun reading this book. I enjoyed the creativity of the plot and characters. Also liked the cussing wasn't over done.
June 20, 2017
Very good
This book definitely held my attention the whole way through. I loved his take on the Supernatural community, heaven and hell. Can't wait to read the second one.
This book definitely held my attention the whole way through. I loved his take on the Supernatural community, heaven and hell. Can't wait to read the second one.
July 14, 2017
A very enjoyable tale!
This was a good read, surprisingly so. Not sure what I was hoping for, but this story exceeded my expectations.
A fun urban fantasy that follows the slightly less than angelically behaved Gabriel Stone, half-angel, half-human bounty hunter and his rather unusual side-kicks as they get up to mischief and into trouble. No spoilers, so difficult to expand on that, except to mention that I really liked Seamus, the perpetually grumpy leprechaun!
Action aplenty, a good dose of wry humour and some rather interesting tricks, and weapons, up Stoner's sleeve.
A multitude of paranormal creatures populate this story; fae, sirens, goblins, elves, vampires, bear shifters, demons and some very strange men in black suits. And of course, the bounty hunter Angels.
Definitely a worthwhile, enjoyable read. Will be reading Stone's next adventure, that's for certain!
This was a good read, surprisingly so. Not sure what I was hoping for, but this story exceeded my expectations.
A fun urban fantasy that follows the slightly less than angelically behaved Gabriel Stone, half-angel, half-human bounty hunter and his rather unusual side-kicks as they get up to mischief and into trouble. No spoilers, so difficult to expand on that, except to mention that I really liked Seamus, the perpetually grumpy leprechaun!
Action aplenty, a good dose of wry humour and some rather interesting tricks, and weapons, up Stoner's sleeve.
A multitude of paranormal creatures populate this story; fae, sirens, goblins, elves, vampires, bear shifters, demons and some very strange men in black suits. And of course, the bounty hunter Angels.
Definitely a worthwhile, enjoyable read. Will be reading Stone's next adventure, that's for certain!
Did Not Finish
June 5, 2017Couldn't finish it. The world and the main H treated people at tools to be used and killed in use. That is not my cup of tea. The writing was good and I believe the story would have been good as well. Just not for me.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews