Book Review: The Shattered Morningstar
Long ago, Pheriel, once a devoted angel of the Lord, fell from grace during Lucifer’s rebellion due to love for a mortal maiden, yet unlike most of his fallen kin, his heart remained untainted, burdened by his guilt and longing for redemption. Pheriel’s penance came in the form of servitude, and found himself bound to the mortal realm as a guardian for those who dared summon angelic aid through forbidden magic.
Eleanor, a fiercely intelligent young woman trapped in Victorian society, is one such summoner. Stifled by her father’s oppressive household and the rigid expectations of her era, she performs a daring ritual to call forth an angelic protector. What she receives is Pheriel, the handsome Seraphim who cannot help but blush in her presence.
For countless centuries he longed for a beautiful woman to be his master, but having his wish granted proves an unbearable torment, as he is forbidden to make physical contact of any kind with mortals. He wishes for nothing more to hold her hand, or kiss her rosebud lips, only to have to restrain himself again and again.
Through the trials of two World Wars, their friendship grows into something profound. Pheriel is always ready to stand by Eleanor’s side as she uses her cunning and magical knowledge to aid the helpless, often at great risk to herself. Together, they navigate the horrors of battlefields, the loss of loved ones, and the relentless march of time.
In the end, love will prove stronger than divine decree, granting Eleanor and Pheriel a timeless bond beyond all mortal or celestial law.
She was a woman of twenty-two, with skin as pale as marble and large eyes that sparkled like emeralds. Her strawberry-blond hair was pinned up in a series of carefully constructed curls, framed by the ruffles of her floor-length blue taffeta dress. Pheriel felt he would die of love on the spot. She laughed cheerily upon seeing his reaction, and said:
"You truly are a wicked angel, to gaze upon me so."
Pheriel forced his eyes downward, doing everything he could to suppress his desires. She grinned flirtatiously, and continued-
"You are quite handsome, perhaps I might let you kiss me."
A deep blush spread across his cheeks. In a trembling voice, he replied:
"I am bound to serve as your guardian, but I beg of you, do not test me, it is more than I can bear."
My Review
I have read many books that featured fallen angels or others from the Bible. I thought this book was an intriguing one. It was nice that it did not feature the obvious choice of Lucifer, Satan, or Michael.
The story features Pheriel, who is allowed to go to Earth and watch over mortals. One mortal in particular named Eleanor. It was lovely to see the progression throughout decades of Eleanor and Pheriel friendship. They both changed and were not the same from when they first met each other.
I did feel like the story did not really start until the forty percent mark. Until then, it was a lot of building up of Lucifer and the others wanting to overthrow their father and why Pheriel was spared. I liked the moments when Pheriel and Eleanor communicated with each other. They were sweet moments. This is a fast read. The time periods progress fast. Because the story moved fast, I felt like I never did fully connect to the characters. Overall, I did like this book.
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