I received an ARC copy from the author but that has in no way influenced my review, which I freely chose to write.

I have been following The Great Devil War, since the first novel, The Devil’s Apprentice, and loved it. I must confess I easily lose patience with series, so that’s saying something. I’m pleased to report that I enjoyed this instalment too, and I can’t wait for the 6^th and last part, although I’m sure I’ll miss the characters once it’s over. One warning to people who hate cliff-hangers, this book ends in one, and it felt a bit shorter than most of the others, as if we were catching up with the characters after a long break and getting ready for the big finale, rather than telling a full story. But it is a good read nonetheless.

It has been a long while since we last heard from Philip, and when we catch up with him, he is not the same boy we met in the first novel. Readers who’ve been following the series don’t need to worry if they’ve read part four a while back, because, at the beginning of the book, Philip keeps pondering about the past and about the decisions that brought him here and that means we can easily get up to speed. Philip is unhappy and thinks he has taken the wrong decision, and of course, we all know that one needs to be careful what one wishes for, and strange things soon start happening. And then, he is back in Hell, but he soon realises that time moves at a different pace there and many things have happened since he was around. I won’t go into a lot of detail about the plot, but I can tell you that we visit Heaven again; Philip gets to spend more time with his father; there is a new character that will take your breath away (and one I’ve come across in other writers’ work as well); and a story development that I think might not come as a total surprise to readers.

There are the usual funny meetings and jokes (yes, you’d be pleased to know that politicians get a very suitable punishment), characters from the Old Testament have plenty of things to say about Jehovah and not all complimentary, and we have an opportunity to catch up our favourite characters.

Although the book starts a bit slow, and we get a look into a Philip more bitter and angry than we are used to, he soon gets thrown into the middle of things and I enjoyed seeing him become more and more determined and independent. There is evidence of a darker side to his character that we had had glimpses of before, but he has grown into a more complex character, and like Satina and even Sam, their experiences and their age have had an impact making them more mature and responsible, although that does not mean they no longer have fun.

I enjoyed catching up with all the characters, meeting the new ones, the interaction between Lucifer and Jehova, and although I’m not a fun of cliff-hangers, I know I won’t have to wait long for the true finale, and there are big and difficult decisions coming Philip’s way.

I recommend it to lovers of fantasy, particularly that to do with angels, demons, mythology, especially those who enjoy series, and of course, to those who have been following the series. This novel is book five in the series, and they should all be read in the right order for readers to enjoy it fully. If you haven’t read the rest, I recommend that you start from the beginning and keep going, and I’m sure I’ll be back soon to tell you about book 6.

Fallen Angel (A Raines & Shaw Thriller Book 1) by John Ling is an unconventional love story. I gave it four stars.

I received a complimentary copy from the author in a goodreads promotion. That did not change my opinion for this review.

"Now disgraced, Kendra becomes a ‘fallen angel’ — an operative considered too damaged to stay on the front lines. She is suspended from duty and sent back home."

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Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Angel-Raines-Shaw-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00CGE2XCG

This story kept me turning the pages. I loved Bri's grace and innocence, and her determination to find out about her past. Drake was a bit of a bully in the beginning, but he grew on me. Once he realized what was important, he showed his true colors. There are several wonderful secondary characters, as well as a couple not-so-nice ones. I felt the love of dance through both Bri and Drake's eyes and feelings. I highly recommend this story.

This is my unsolicited review.

I've never really quite know what to expect from dual authors. And this book was no exception. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and held in complete astonishment as the story progressed. This is a love story. And it's not just love between man and woman but love for companions. This is one of those books where all hope seems lost, every good character has their back up against a proverbial wall. You'll be biting your nails to the quick just in suspense alone, to see how it all goes down.