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 … 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. For trigger warnings, see the author’s note.***
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As a Baptist minister’s daughter, I’m well aware of the biblical book of Revelations that was made to St. John the Divine, half-brother of Jesus the Christ. I must admit to enjoying writer Nikole Knight’s special take on the role of angels as administrators, fighters, revelators, and protectors. I nearly passed out with joy to discover this is only book one of a series that is six books strong! With this wonderful first audiobook, splendidly narrated by Kirt Graves, I am PRAYING all the other books in the series will find their way to audio format. In her (audio)book ‘Revelations, Fire & Brimstone Scroll 1’, we meet Riley Shepard who has had a really rough 19 years of life–from the abusive foster home system to confinement in a psychiatric ward, to a malicious church lady he lives with before escaping to college. And all is not well at college! He encounters bullying from his roommate and is generally push around because of his social ineptitude. But all turns around for him when he discovers his guardian angels–three of the most incredible characters a book could ever have. This premise is absolutely mind-blowing! The world-building is phenomenal! The character development is astounding. Just when I was getting exasperated with Riley’s doormat behavior, he starts to ‘grow a pair’ and it’s AWESOME! That new-to-me writer made this Air Force veteran’s Memorial Day extra special! Thanks so very much, Mx. Knight!
Dark and heart-wrenching. A emotional story that sucked me in from the start. I really loved the characters. They were real, raw and entertaining to read. I can’t wait to devour the next book!
Riley has been dealt with so much in his young life is a college freshman and he is trying to gain a bit of freedom from his home life and to understand himself more.
Riley has three guardians, Jai, Noel, and Gideon. They each are unique characters and they each care for Riley differently in their own unique way.
This is a very slow burn story and more of a sweet platonic romance with Riley figuring himself out and coming to terms with his past. This was a really good introduction to these characters. I definitely recommend this book!
I had read all but one of these books when they were released as singles, but getting the chance to reread them all together in order was wonderful. The world building is excellent from the first book on and the author keeps up the high quality of the storytelling all the way through the end of the final book. Unlike some series, where by the end the author seems to have tired of the world and/or run out of ideas, this one just gets better and better. Book two focuses more on the world’s angel and demon power structures, while books three and five focus more on the emotional challenges and development of the characters. I think my favorite book was the fifth one, where you will be forced to stop and ask yourself exactly what you would be willing to do to save those you love. While it is easy to say “anything”, this book explores what that might actually mean in practice and some of the answers are devastating. Definitely a not to be missed series.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this whole series in a box set. I am posting my review here of the whole series since there is no link for the box set!
Wow…this series was amazing beyond words! It’s about Riley and how he falls in love with his guardian angels Jai, Noel and Gideon. It is seriously the slowest of slow burns. There is no steam until the end of book 4. Usually it is hard to keep my interest with super slow burn books…BUT that was 100% not the case here! The storyline kept me completely invested the whole time and the steaminess was on the back burner. I was sucked completely into this story and could not stop once I started. Poor Riley has literally been through the ringer. H has dealt with so much in his life but through it all his angels have been his one constant in his life. This series was full of ups and down and was a roller coaster of emotions. If you haven’t picked up this series do yourself a favor and grand it now!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st person single POV (Riley)
Standalone or series: whole series in a box set
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! highly recommend!!
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
Emotional
This book was emotional. I love Riley and his hang ups. There’s so much history that has yet to be discovered and I can’t wait to read the next book.
Audio: 4.5
In his nineteen years, Riley Shepard has been abandoned, abused, institutionalized and conditioned. His only moments of fractured peace came when he submitted to whatever punishment or circumstance he was confronted with. Thus, the most Riley hopes for from college is to be allowed a small measure of freedom to learn and tangentially experience life as a “normal” young adult. Having been taught to cower away from confrontations, feelings and physical contact by the only foster parent that kept him, Ms. Janet, and his own crippling social anxiety, Riley is treated like a servant by his obnoxious, bullying roommate and only has one friend, the kindhearted RA that takes pity on him.
That changes when he meets the intriguing, yet opposite in every way Jai and Noel. As he runs into them on campus and his wariness wears away, he finds himself drawn to the men, and after a series of strange events, Riley learns why. Believing guardian angels are real is relatively easy for Riley—believing that he is somehow worthy of not one but three is something he struggles with…until some of his past is revealed.
As the first book in a series, “Revelations” is a very character driven story. While there is some action, the majority of the book centers on getting to know Riley and portraying the depths of religious and psychological conditioning he experienced at the hands of his abusive foster mother and how it dictates his behavior. Knight does an excellent job in making sure that Riley’s inclination to roll over and show throat in every situation (no matter how uncomfortable it makes him) provokes sympathy rather than irritation. As a reader who has little patience for characters that spend the majority of their inner monologues bitching about how bossy their besties are, while refusing to stand up to them, I appreciated the in-depth approach Knight takes in examining Riley’s mental landscape and trauma.
That being said, this is a rough book to get through in some regards. Riley is too precious and innocent for this world; with Ms. Janet still terrorizing him from afar and threatening to pull him out of school if he isn’t a “good boy”, every interaction this poor baby has is fraught for one reason or another, even with people he likes, filling his day to day life with anxiety, fear, pressure and self-disgust. The few glimpses of what his true personality might be like when he interacts with Jai are welcome breaks.
Additionally, the slow-burn promised in the blurb is glacial. This is not a complaint or a bad thing and makes absolute sense for all the characters and the story. Riley has been trained to view physical contact and attraction to men as sinful so sexual feelings aren’t even on his radar; for the majority of the story, he berates himself for enjoying holding hands and platonic hugs. As for Riley’s Guardians, while the narrative makes it clear that angels in this world are sexual beings and that Jai and Noel are far from virginal, it’s heavily implied that sexual feelings towards their wards is rare. Moreover, Gideon, the prime in the trio of Guardians, is almost as averse to touch as Riley is. There are indications that the natural protectiveness and care the Guardians have for Riley is more intense and personal than usual, and by the end, Riley has become aware that he’s attracted to his Guardians. However aside from a few hints that Noel (the only self-proclaimed gay guy) is sexually attracted to Riley, things remain platonic.
As a book so heavily structured around understanding Riley, narration is super important and Kirt Graves does not disappoint. As usual, Graves manages to deliver a balanced, natural performance that doesn’t try to create drama in quieter scenes or turn emotional moments into overwrought drama, and I honestly never expected to find words like “coitus” and “defiled” expressed in such a prim, pearl-clutching way utterly charming, but Graves pulls it off. Riley’s naïveté, struggles and small triumphs are conveyed with heartstring- pulling sincerity; I could feel his anxiety, panic and quiet joy. There’s a scene where Riley is being accosted by a spoiled sexual predator that I almost couldn’t handle; I’m not sure if I would have experienced Riley’s overwhelming panic and terror as viscerally if I had been reading. I highly enjoyed his take on the characters, and found “Revelations” to be a solid, engaging poly story that I look forward to continuing.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this audiobook provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
An interesting start to a series (an audio 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.
Revelations is the first book in the Fire & Brimstone series and really set the scene for the entire series. The world Riley, the main character, lives in is a familiar world – it resembles the current contemporary world as the reader might know it—but soon odd things start happening and it becomes clear that this familiar world has a surprising secret: angels and demons are real…and not just in the religious sense. Riley, a young man who’s been beaten down by the world, has his own triad of guardian angels. At first, it’s not clear why Riley might need such protection, but by the end of the book it becomes crystal clear that there are secrets within secrets when it comes to Riley and his past.
I enjoyed this book, especially the worldbuilding aspect of it. I thought the structure of heaven and hell was interesting and really added a dynamic layer to the plot. The relationship between Riley and his angels is definitely going to be a slowburn, but the build up of this attraction is delicious sweet despite the slowness. There were moments where I thought the character’s behaviors were a bit strange for how they were previously characterized, but overall I thought they were well written and interesting. This is definitely a series I will be continuing – I know it’s going to be a wild and exciting ride!
The audiobook was narrated by Kirt Graves who did a fantastic job. Kirt has such a smooth voice that fit each main character perfectly. The audiobook production was also well done and it made for a really enjoyable listening experience.
Revelations by Nikole Knight is the first book in the Fire & Brimstone series. This is a fascinating story filled with angels, demons, Nephilim, and the humans who have no clue with whom they are sharing the world with. Its a slow burn poly romance filled with emotion, pain, healing, and the awakening to one’s true self. So exciting and truly amazing… I want to devour the whole series now.
Kirt Graves narrates the audio book and does a fabulous job. Clear recording and entertaining performance. Loved it!
A Gripping & Fascinating PNR! Awesome Story & Narration
Revelations
Fire & Brimstone Scroll, Book 1
By: Nikole Knight
Narrated by: Kirt Graves
Wow, what an awesome start to a wonderful new series! This is my second book written by Nikole Knight and it is great to see another side of her creative mind with this fantasy paranormal romance reverse harem style. The storylines are fascinating and imaginative, I found them to be captivating from start to end. Once I started the book I did not want to put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen next. This first book lays down the foundation for the rest of the series, there is great world building and it is going to be great to learn more about the world dynamics as the series goes on. The same goes for character development, my interest is peaked and I want to know more about Riley and how he came into existence, it has to be something pretty big since he has three guardian angels looking after him, Noel, Jai and Gideon, who is the overseer. My heart went out to Riley, he is such a timid doormat, to learn how he got that way was heartbreaking, he is on the right path to overcome his issues, it was great to see him stand up for himself when it really mattered, I have a feeling once he comes into his own he will be one to contend with. It was also great to see him accept his own sexuality, holy moly, being brought up by a deranged lunatic did a number on him. A lot goes on in this book, the story is cleverly plotted and moves quickly, there is plenty of drama, angst, surprising twists, thrilling and suspenseful moments, mystery, heartfelt and emotional moments and the start to a slow burn romance, one that is going to be smoking hot. Nikole Knight, thank you for this amazing, thought provoking story, it is entertaining and enjoyable. I am looking forward to what happens next.
And for the wonderful narration, Kirt Graves is a talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. He does an awesome job bringing these characters to life, giving each their own voice and personality, as well as heart and attitude. His portrayal of the characters is spot on, he sounds believable in each role and just as I picture the character to sound. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the character emotions as well as the drama of the story which is reflected in his performance. He is an entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen
Thank you #GRR
I enjoyed this story. I loved how dark it was. I loved all the tropes: paranormals with Angels and demons/evil vs good, huge age gap, slow burn, hurt/comfort.
However, I’m terms of pacing, it needed improvement. What I loved about this story was only in the prologue then the adventure/action towards the end of the book. The author took a long time dealing with Riley’s backstory which was about 90% of the story. Normally, I love it when authors provide a lot of background and backstory of the main characters. But for this story, I felt it was a little too much. Hence, the middle of the book which was majority of the story was boring to me since Riley’s backstory made me quite uncomfortable and annoyed with his character. I actually didn’t like him all that much. If the author cut short of Riley’s backstory, then I would’ve given this book a 5-star!
This is a sweet, slow burn story. Riley is a sweet college kid who’s had a traumatic past, who is guarded by 3 Angels, Gideon, Jai and Noel. I loved the banter between Noel and Jai. There was a lot of love and affection between Jai, Noel and Riley. Gideon is more a protector. I love the angel/demon fantasy trope of this story. It is a very good fantasy story. Well written.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.