Cecelia Earl

In the conclusion of Cecelia Earl’s Kingdom Come trilogy, Julia White has acknowledged and accepted her place fighting beside heaven’s warrior angels. And while she’s learned some hard lessons, she still tends to play the lone ranger and face the fight on her own.

Lucifer isn’t the only one who wants something from the White family. And Julia isn’t sure who she can trust.

One concept Earl explores (especially in the second and third books of the trilogy) is Grace (given to humans) and Glory (given to angels). They hybrids have both—and the devil and his minions want to obtain it all.

This series builds well, and in When Fire Rains Down, the battles are bigger and the stakes are higher as Julia, her family, and her friends fight for the lives of the citizens of Shady Grove. The town’s history is revealed and, while it wasn’t at all what I was expecting, the ending makes sense as Julia realizes the gift and power in free will.

These books serve as a reminder of the unseen battles fought around and for us.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (meer)

3.5 Stars

Julia White has accepted her hybrid status—half angel, half human. And now she’s ready to wield her sword to protect her family.

When Smoke Rains Down, the second book in the Kingdom Come trilogy, reveals some growth in Julia. She’s no longer hyper focused on earning enough money to give herself and her family a better life. But...she’s a teenager. One who has experienced a loss. And like many young people, Julia’s rash decisions are often based on her emotions. She still believes she is the only one to save the people she lives and Shady Grove.

The demons are getting stronger and now have weapons no one is sure what to do with.

Some questions are answered only to leave more in their wake. But the progression and escalation of the fight between good and evil

While I’m not a huge fan of the small love triangle happening, at least Julia suspects it’s the emotions strain she’s under that draws her to each of her guardians for different reasons. And I do like Nicholas’s quiet steadfastness. The guy might be rigid and stoic, but when Julia needs him—to hold her hand or stand between her and a demon—he’s there.

I’m very interested to see more growth in Julia in the final book as well as discover how the fight plays out to the finale.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (meer)

3.5 Stars

It took a little while for this story to fully hook me in. That’s due in large part to the main character. At first, she's not very likable. She’s got tunnel vision that, despite the façade of caring for her family, feel more selfish than servant.

However, once I got a little deeper into the story (that included a little of Julia’s history), things begin to make more sense and I mustered some sympathy for her. The character traits that I didn’t love about her at first show up in the best possible way near the end of this book.

I wish there had been a bit more with the angels and demons thread, but as this is the first book in a trilogy, I expect to read more in the next two books (so watch for those reviews within the next month or so).

When Ash Rains Down is a good introduction to the characters, the town, and Julia’s struggles. Cecilia Earl also gives readers a bit of a treat at the end of the book with a short story from another character’s point-of-view. I appreciated seeing events leading up to the climax through someone else’s eyes.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (meer)