Scepter of Faith

Angels Without Wings #1

by Chris Smith

For God, we fight; all angels have heard the command. Troy Decker has heard it from his parents countless times. All he wants in life is a chance to prove himself and be granted his scepterthe first gift angels receive in their war against Lucifer. Standing in his way is fallen angel Kyle Downey, who used to be best friends with Troys parents but is now on a quest to destroy all that is good in the world.

Genres: Angels, Christian, Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal, Christian Fantasy

260 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2013

About the author

Check out Chris' author page on Amaon:

www.amazon.com/author/angelswithoutwings

And "like" the page on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/angelswithoutwingsse...

Reviews

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Disclaimer** I received this book through the Goodreads First Read Program
This book was so different from normal Christian books. This book contained action, really showed a lot about faith, and really takes you to a different place. Chris Smith wrote a story with direction and it took you to places that normal Christian books would never go. I did not feel as though the book was preaching at me although I felt I walked away with respect towards the book and the author. I think this was amazing and I am so ready to read the next book in the series.

[Steven Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books to read in awhile. I enjoyed each character (some of the minor characters were my favorites, in fact). I would say its a YA Christian fiction, but it would appeal to anyone. There was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all. It's not a huge mind-blowing thing, but adds to the whole mystique of the story. I love easter egg clues and as I thought back on the story, this book was full of them.

There is definitely a Christian theme, but I don't remember any "sermons" or any preaching monologues. It was overall a very enjoyable story that sucked me in from the start and made me not want to put it down.

If you like stories about angels - or well-told, plot driven adventures as a whole - this is a book for you.

[Nicole Magolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

"For God, we fight."

This first book in the Angels Without Wings series does well in setting up a world with a lot of potential for an exciting Christian fantasy series for young teens. Unfortunately, at least in this first adventure, that potential is far from realized.

We follow Troy Decker, a just-turned-fourteen year old who is an angel in training. The angels in this universe seem to be more or less like us regular humans, but with special abilities from God, and tasked with saving human souls and fighting against the forces of hell.
Both Troy's parents are well regarded angels, and as such there is a lot of pressure on Troy to live up to them. However, he feels inadequate. He doesn't even has his first gift from God, the scepter that marks the completion of his first angel trial. This book follows Troy's journey to receive that scepter.

Firstly, I have to note that I am not the intended audience for this book. Nevertheless, I do think there are issues that transcend the age bracket.
This book very much feels Percy Jackson-y, but with a Christian spin. In saying that, PJ is a far superior series in terms of the writing, the story, and the characters. All the elements are here, brimming with potential, but the execution falls flat. Troy is a likeable protagonist, but not much more than that. Kyle, the big bad villain, is built up well as an intriguing and serious threat - but all that momentum is squashed by a bizarre plot point half way through. Kyle Downey is killed off-page by some random dude we never heard of. The plot then becomes entirely about Troy trying to work himself up to saving a girl in his neighborhood. When Kyle returns, it falls flat because there is no momentum.
This world should allow for plenty of exciting action scenes but they are in very short supply - only two standouts I can remember, one being the climax, which held little tension due to the previously mentioned plot point.
Troy also has a group of friends who are fun, but flat. Most notably is Angela, the gorgeous girl next door. Her character is fine, but what I really didn't like was how after every interaction between her and Troy, there would be a moment of "tingles up his arm" as he stared at her luscious lips or something of the sort. It got old really quick, and at times was borderline creepy.

Overall I had some fun with this story, and there are lots of creative ideas to be found. I enjoy the Christian element and I think this would be enjoyed by your average twelve year old. I'll give the next in the series a go, just to see if it grasps its potential.

Rating: 2.5 stars

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I won this book on Goodreads.

This book was easy to read. It has drama, action, suspense, and some romance. The classes at Passover Hill and all the shop names were funny. (Side note: I know many churches now have at least a gift shop, but the sheer number and variety at the Cathedral reminded me of the money lenders whom Jesus cast out of the Temple.) I hope there is more to Kyle falling than a love triangle that didn't go his way. (I don't like love triangles.) I don't know if there are more books in the series (The ending strongly hinted there could be.), but I would like to read the continuing adventures of Troy and his friends and the War against the Fallen.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angels without wings

It 's a really good book. I didn't want to put it down as I read it. I would gladly recommend it to everyone

[James Johnston · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't care much for the unbiblical approach to depicting angels.

[Terry Conrad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of authors have recently got my attention with young adult books. I have loved most of them. This book was a bit too young adult for me. I think it is best for 12 year olds. There wasn't much action until the last 50 pages or so. There was also at least one swear word. When reading fiction I give a lot of lead way just as long as the Bible is not disrepected in any way. The thing that bothered me was the 14 year olds who were trying to get their gifts. The first thing required was to save souls. Not from disaster or life threatening situations. Save their souls with no mention of this being done by repentance through Jesus Christ.

[Dawnn Zacharias · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually much of a reviewer, but figured I should for this book. It would fall into a teen or YA category and was listed as Christian fantasy. I haven't liked a book this much since the Harry Potter series!! The characters really grabbed my attention and made me sympathize and care for them. The action was fast paced and there was a great message. It will be a book that I'll read again. I found it on Facebook and see that its going to be a multiple book series so I'll have something to look forward to!! :)

[Ashley Fuhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful Christian book for all ages. It is a true young adult book and has safe, honorable messages for your kiddos, unlike a lot of what is floating around out there. Chris addresses issues of faith, but not in an overbearing "churchy" way. Do expect to be surrounded by many aspects and features of religion (you are reading a book about angels, afterall!), but you won't be drowned in it. The progression of the story and depth of the characters is done really well, especially for a new author. I'm currently working on the prequel, and look forward to the release of book 2!

[Jeromy Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a friend tell me about this book. I grew up in a Christian family and still hold those beliefs so I was slightly leary of getting into a "Christian" book. In the end, I don't remember Jesus actually being said in the book. There are definite religous undertones but its not the main gist of the story. I enjoyed the characters a lot. It doesn't stack up there with Harry Potter or anything; but I read the series all the way through to what's avaible at the point of this review. Solid story arc and characters that are easy to relate and grow with throughtout the books.

[Jerry Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I doubt this book was written with me in mind as a reader. My grandson actually gave me this book. I swapped him for my Left Behind books. I have to say, even though I didn't relate to some of the high school age stuff. I thought the story was great. It's focuses on faith. But I think one part said something about not only faith in God but faith in yourself as a person. Wonderful message. It was probably a little bit too much fantasy based for me, so I gave it a four star rating instead of five. I'll get the other books in the series on my Kindle.

[Steven Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this on the Kindle this morning for only $0.99. It isn't long at all and it's purely a supplemental story to book 2 in the series, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not sure how many pages it would be in a book - not many probably. I think I read it less than 20 minutes, but it was $0.99 well spent. It's a wonderful story that I'd say anyone could read without knowing anything about the series, but it makes a scene - that I already really liked - in the second book stand out even more.

[David Wahrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of angels and demons have always enthralled me. The world in Angels without Wings is rich in this lore. I grew up Christian and hold to those teachings even though I'm a logical doubter. This book delves into the workings between God and angels and Lucifer; but I viewed it more as a fantasy setting. All the ingredients are there for readers to enjoy it as both a religious work or a book of pure fantasy. The characters are great and the plot is filled with fast paced action.

[Alex O'brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid series all the way around. Good characters and great action. The plots aren't fleshed out enough for me to give it a 5 out of 5. Should be interesting to see how Smith pulls together the ending. I've always enjoyed the God vs Lucifer type books and this falls directly into the middle of that with enjoyable characters mixed throughout. I do hope to see what made Kyle fall. Hopefully that isn't looked over. A good villain can make or break a series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met this author at a book signing at Hastings. He was very nice and talked to me like I was anyone else. My mom bought the series for me on my Kindle afterwards and I have absolutely LOVED it! He is from Mustang right down the road from where I live and the story is set there so it made everything feel close to home. I LOVE Angela!! All the characters are great but she's my fave by far.

[Barb Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick story with good messages. I'd say its good for any age. I'm older than the target demographic, but enjoyed it quite a lot. The main character is a tad whiny at the start of the book (and after finishing the other books in the series this is not close to the case anymore), but watching his progress and growth was rewarding. On to book 2 in the series! :)

[Ashley Fuhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Chris included this short story. I chose to read it AFTER book 2 (it takes place during the events of book 2). While you could read it both before or after, I think I would recommend reading it after. It was more meaningful to me in that order.

[Laura Kindell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinarily good book. Actually heard about it at church and bought it on my kindle. I believe the target audience is quite a bit younger than my extra years of experience.... but when I finally made the time to read it, I blazed right through it. Looking forward to reading book 2.

[Landon Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters. Simple and straightforward plot. Action was solid. One of my friends raves on this series so I read it. The god aspect was okay. Angels against demons and all that crap. I decided to read it as pure fantasy and that almost pushed it to a 4 star rating.

[Nancy Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love angel books and even though this doesn't have the same kind of romance as most of the others it is my favorite! The author puts enough details and descriptions to get the picture but I never found myself wanting to skip and skim. I love Angela and Troys mom!

[Jessie Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Would really love a signed copy by Chris so that I can share with friends and family the copy I read was on the nook ebook. Cant really let anyone borrow it!

[Carlos Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot + great cover= must read!

[Kimerly Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It was written with young adults in mind but definitely captured my attention. Well written, captivating!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED the twist at the end. Totally caught me by surprise!! Great book!!!

[Tnkw01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give a 4.5 star but have to lower it to a 4. It was a nice YA novella. It's a really quick read and I really enjoyed it. Really do recommend it.

[Kaitlan Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great idea for a book. I liked the teenage bits of romance. The action was excellent and the character interaction was really good. I'll continue with the series!!

[Dawnn Zacharias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick story to go along with Book 2. I read it when I went back to re-read the series after Book 5 was released. Definitely put a nice perspective on the scene from the book.

[The Book Man · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like fiction and you are 10-14 years old then you'll enjoy this book.

[Joanna Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book series that can rival Harry Potter for me!! Loved the characters and the story.

[Kelly]

Didn’t finish.