The Day The Angels Fell by Shawn Smucker

The Day The Angels Fell was not at all what I expected.

Could it be possible that death is a gift?

MY REVIEW

The Day The Angels Fell was not at all what I expected. It was a little bit, Piercing the Darkness meets…Lois Lowry. At first, I was not sure where the book was going, (mainly because I never read the back cover) and I was glad I stuck to it because by the end all my questions and concerns were addressed and I understood the meaning and significance of the things happening at the beginning of the book much better. As the story unfolded, and the main character wrestles with grief and loss, the reader connects with this boy and his situation. By the last page, I was satisfied to have followed this adventure, both from the eyes of an old man looking back, and the young boy experiencing this wild supernatural adventure for the first time. The contrast between the innocence of youth and the wisdom of old age was endearing and I think Shawn’s debut novel promises many more adventures to come. At least, I hope so. I certainly want to know more.

I especially enjoyed the themes of friendship between Samuel Chambers (the main character) and his best friend, Abra. Personally, I loved the way the author uses imagery and setting to tell the story too.

I look forward to more from this author.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Watch for the sequel:

ABOUT THE BOOK

It was the summer of storms and strays and strangers. The summer that lightning struck the big oak tree in the front yard. The summer his mother died in a tragic accident. As he recalls the tumultuous events that launched a surprising journey, Samuel can still hardly believe it all happened.

After his mother’s death, twelve-year-old Samuel Chambers would do anything to bring her back. Prompted by three strange carnival fortune-tellers and the surfacing of his mysterious and reclusive neighbor, Sam begins his search for the Tree of Life–the only thing that could possibly bring his mother back. His quest to defeat death entangles him and his best friend Abra in an ancient conflict and forces Sam to grapple with an unwelcome question: could it be possible that death is a gift?

Haunting and hypnotic, The Day the Angels Fell explores the difficult questions of life in a voice that is fresh, friendly, and unafraid. With this powerful story, Shawn Smucker has carved out a spot for himself in the tradition of authors Madeleine L’Engle and Lois Lowry.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Smucker lives with his wife and six children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Day the Angels fell is his first novel. Visit his website at www.shawnsmucker.com

Melony Teague is a writer who believes that everyone has a story to tell. As a ghostwriter and biographer, she is passionate about telling real-life stories. She handles communications for various non-profit organizations in the Toronto area, two of which are medical mission organizations. She also reviews Christian Fiction. As one of the authors of As the Ink Flows:Devotions to Inspire Christian Writers & Speakers (Judson Press), she uses her words to encourage and inspire others. This book was a finalist in the 2017 The Word Awards. Her latest story, From Sea Sand to Snowflakes can be found in the Canadian collection, Christmas with Hot Apple Cider.