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The Fall That Saved Us
Cassiel has given up the family tradition of demon hunting, leaving behind her sacred angelic duty and fated sword. What she can’t leave behind are the scars. To cope, she spends her days immersed in work, pouring all her attention into New Haven Books, her small bookstore and anchor in the new world she’s carved for herself.
But the past hasn’t let go of Cassiel yet. When a succubus named Avitue arrives to claim her angel-touched soul, Cassiel’s old hunter instincts flare, forcing her to choose between old knowledge and her truth. What should be a fatal seduction becomes a bargain neither woman expects. As they grow closer, Avitue is surprised to find her own pain reflected in Cassiel, a nephilim deemed fallen by her own family’s standards.
By choosing trust, they reveal the lies that bind them. Falling for each other begins a path towards healing. But exorcising the effects of trauma is harder than naming it, and to explore the unfettered possibility Avitue represents, Cassiel must find a way to reclaim and redefine her angelic heritage.
But the past hasn’t let go of Cassiel yet. When a succubus named Avitue arrives to claim her angel-touched soul, Cassiel’s old hunter instincts flare, forcing her to choose between old knowledge and her truth. What should be a fatal seduction becomes a bargain neither woman expects. As they grow closer, Avitue is surprised to find her own pain reflected in Cassiel, a nephilim deemed fallen by her own family’s standards.
By choosing trust, they reveal the lies that bind them. Falling for each other begins a path towards healing. But exorcising the effects of trauma is harder than naming it, and to explore the unfettered possibility Avitue represents, Cassiel must find a way to reclaim and redefine her angelic heritage.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2023
90 people are currently reading
5759 people want to read
About the author
Tamara Jerée
13 books123 followersTamara Jerée’s short stories have appeared in the Shirley Jackson Award-winning anthologies Unfettered Hexes and Professor Charlatan Bardot’s Travel Anthology. Their debut novel The Fall That Saved Us was a 2023 Indie Ink Award winner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
March 11, 2024
”Keep only the bonds that free you.”
This book has kind of ruined me.
Cassiel is still adjusting to a mundane and simple life after turning her back on her abusive mother and life as an angelic demon-hunter. She lives with immense guilt as a product of her devout upbringing, constantly living in fear of becoming one of the Fallen and damaging her sacred bond with her archangel namesake.
But then she meets the demon Avitue and she realizes that she’s been misinformed about the reality of things.
I loved this story so much. The pacing was a bit odd in opening up so fast-paced before slowing down immediately and slowly picking up speed again as we dread what the finale will bring, but it didn’t throw me off enough to lose me completely.
I went into this for the sexy demon seducing the tortured angel and while I did get that, I was not prepared for the absolute gut-punch that was the exploration of how an abusivo household binds and destroys the connection between siblings. Cassiel’s journey with her sister was a difficult one and I appreciate the realism in a hopeful ending that shows the cracks that still remain in their sisterhood.
I’m terrified and excited to see what this author has in store for future projects (in general) but with these characters as it seems a sequel is in the works. For anyone worried about this being book 1 in an incomplete series, though, I think we get a great “Happy For Now” ending that leaves things satisfactory as a standalone until further updates come.
Who knew possession as a love language could make me so giddy through all the turmoil?
CW: abusive parent, religious trauma, disordered eating (including bulimia), self harm, depression, explicit sexual content, violence, death, blood
This book has kind of ruined me.
Cassiel is still adjusting to a mundane and simple life after turning her back on her abusive mother and life as an angelic demon-hunter. She lives with immense guilt as a product of her devout upbringing, constantly living in fear of becoming one of the Fallen and damaging her sacred bond with her archangel namesake.
But then she meets the demon Avitue and she realizes that she’s been misinformed about the reality of things.
I loved this story so much. The pacing was a bit odd in opening up so fast-paced before slowing down immediately and slowly picking up speed again as we dread what the finale will bring, but it didn’t throw me off enough to lose me completely.
I went into this for the sexy demon seducing the tortured angel and while I did get that, I was not prepared for the absolute gut-punch that was the exploration of how an abusivo household binds and destroys the connection between siblings. Cassiel’s journey with her sister was a difficult one and I appreciate the realism in a hopeful ending that shows the cracks that still remain in their sisterhood.
I’m terrified and excited to see what this author has in store for future projects (in general) but with these characters as it seems a sequel is in the works. For anyone worried about this being book 1 in an incomplete series, though, I think we get a great “Happy For Now” ending that leaves things satisfactory as a standalone until further updates come.
Who knew possession as a love language could make me so giddy through all the turmoil?
CW: abusive parent, religious trauma, disordered eating (including bulimia), self harm, depression, explicit sexual content, violence, death, blood
June 25, 2024
Okay, but this COVER THO!!!?
I think this falls somewhere around a 3.5-7ish read, for me. (Curse goodreads lack of half stars for fucking ever). Overall, I enjoyed myself, think it was a decently solid debut, and definitely want to read more from the author. I’m a queer lapsed catholic, so I fucking love angels and demons mythologies, ESPECIALLY when queered—so that part I had a goddamn blast with. I also really appreciated the abusive religious home storyline with Cass, her sister and her mother, and the care it was given felt, to me at least, really lovingly done. The line ’keep only the bonds that free you’ is gonna be one that lingers long after for me. I liked all of the characters, Avitue and Ana were my favs by only a margin above Cassiel and Zuriel. I liked Cassiel and Avuite’s dynamic a lot, but it fell sllllliiiiightly into instalove territory for me, with how much they basically spent like a couple of weeks at best together before they were ready to make heaven and hell defying commitments. Personally, that’s not my preference for romance stories, I like to let them burn much more slowly, tho I still enjoyed myself. The end wrapped up just slightly abruptly for me, and I would have loved a little more development and scenes with Ana and Zuriel and Cassiel getting more used to their new normals—it’s brimming for a sequel, there.
In general, I think the pacing was just a little off at times, it’s slow to start, and slightly abrupt to end, but the middle is pretty great, the characters are a delight and the themes are pretty fantastic. It’s absolutely worth a read, it just might not be one I come back to again and again. I’ll be keeping a lookout for this author in the future for sure, bc we need more books like this.
I think this falls somewhere around a 3.5-7ish read, for me. (Curse goodreads lack of half stars for fucking ever). Overall, I enjoyed myself, think it was a decently solid debut, and definitely want to read more from the author. I’m a queer lapsed catholic, so I fucking love angels and demons mythologies, ESPECIALLY when queered—so that part I had a goddamn blast with. I also really appreciated the abusive religious home storyline with Cass, her sister and her mother, and the care it was given felt, to me at least, really lovingly done. The line ’keep only the bonds that free you’ is gonna be one that lingers long after for me. I liked all of the characters, Avitue and Ana were my favs by only a margin above Cassiel and Zuriel. I liked Cassiel and Avuite’s dynamic a lot, but it fell sllllliiiiightly into instalove territory for me, with how much they basically spent like a couple of weeks at best together before they were ready to make heaven and hell defying commitments. Personally, that’s not my preference for romance stories, I like to let them burn much more slowly, tho I still enjoyed myself. The end wrapped up just slightly abruptly for me, and I would have loved a little more development and scenes with Ana and Zuriel and Cassiel getting more used to their new normals—it’s brimming for a sequel, there.
In general, I think the pacing was just a little off at times, it’s slow to start, and slightly abrupt to end, but the middle is pretty great, the characters are a delight and the themes are pretty fantastic. It’s absolutely worth a read, it just might not be one I come back to again and again. I’ll be keeping a lookout for this author in the future for sure, bc we need more books like this.
July 27, 2023
A surprisingly heart-warming story about escaping from an abusive household and finding your balance and your freedom, set against the backdrop of an eternal war between angels and demons.
It's beautifully written. I liked the characters and found their dynamics interesting. The protagonist's character arc is particularly well-done, but the rest of the cast also has its moments. I also quite enjoyed the author's take on the part-angelic, demon-hunting Nephilim and their relationship with the angels.
However, the novel has some pacing issues: it starts out very strong, but sags towards the middle before sticking the landing with the ending. The progression of the love story is also very fast (they're willing to die for each other after just a few meetings), which I felt was to its detriment.
Overall, though, it's a very solid debut, and I recommend checking it out if the premise appeals to you!
A list of content warnings is included at the beginning of the book, which I really appreciated, as the story deals with some heavy themes and sensitive subject matters.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
It's beautifully written. I liked the characters and found their dynamics interesting. The protagonist's character arc is particularly well-done, but the rest of the cast also has its moments. I also quite enjoyed the author's take on the part-angelic, demon-hunting Nephilim and their relationship with the angels.
However, the novel has some pacing issues: it starts out very strong, but sags towards the middle before sticking the landing with the ending. The progression of the love story is also very fast (they're willing to die for each other after just a few meetings), which I felt was to its detriment.
Overall, though, it's a very solid debut, and I recommend checking it out if the premise appeals to you!
A list of content warnings is included at the beginning of the book, which I really appreciated, as the story deals with some heavy themes and sensitive subject matters.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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October 11, 2024
"I've never tried to seduce someone as hungry for kindness as you. If I can grant you any happiness, no matter how small, it would be the greatest thing I've ever done."
The ultimate forbidden sapphic romance between a demon of hell and a literal warrior of heaven.
Cassiel left her demon-hunting angel-blessed family three years ago, opening up a bookstore in Chicago across the street from a literal witch. It's been okay. Lonely, but okay. Until Cassiel is hunted by a demon...and the hunting changes to something more precious than she could have imagined. And the two chart the course of their own paths.
"It's a slippery slope from hunting someone to dating them."
I love urban fantasy, and I loved the world-building in this book, although I didn't know that there is going to be a second book so when it ended rather abruptly I was surprised.
Anywho, the angel-demon aspect was less interesting than the family relationships. Cass made the really brave choice to leave an emotionally abusive and dysfunctional family dynamic where her mother, Gabriel, forces her children to lead super-ascetic lifestyles in utter obedience to herself. It's a critique on hyper-religious, narcissistic parenting focusing on control through fear and worthiness. By leaving, Cass has carved out a life for herself, but it's one that's similar in a different way—she hasn't allowed herself space to feel.
And while I'm still a little skeptical of Avitue's overall rationale in deciding to ditch being a lackey of hell (not that she had it great) to flit about with Cass, I did like their dynamic. The care built in the unlikeliest of places, and how Avitue helps Cass grow and learn her own worth is something different than what her mother taught, that love is stronger and weirder and more beautiful than obedience.
TL;DR, read this glorious Black and sapphic response to the super white, super straight TV show Supernatural.
"You wear desire beautifully."
The ultimate forbidden sapphic romance between a demon of hell and a literal warrior of heaven.
Cassiel left her demon-hunting angel-blessed family three years ago, opening up a bookstore in Chicago across the street from a literal witch. It's been okay. Lonely, but okay. Until Cassiel is hunted by a demon...and the hunting changes to something more precious than she could have imagined. And the two chart the course of their own paths.
"It's a slippery slope from hunting someone to dating them."
I love urban fantasy, and I loved the world-building in this book, although I didn't know that there is going to be a second book so when it ended rather abruptly I was surprised.
Anywho, the angel-demon aspect was less interesting than the family relationships. Cass made the really brave choice to leave an emotionally abusive and dysfunctional family dynamic where her mother, Gabriel, forces her children to lead super-ascetic lifestyles in utter obedience to herself. It's a critique on hyper-religious, narcissistic parenting focusing on control through fear and worthiness. By leaving, Cass has carved out a life for herself, but it's one that's similar in a different way—she hasn't allowed herself space to feel.
And while I'm still a little skeptical of Avitue's overall rationale in deciding to ditch being a lackey of hell (not that she had it great) to flit about with Cass, I did like their dynamic. The care built in the unlikeliest of places, and how Avitue helps Cass grow and learn her own worth is something different than what her mother taught, that love is stronger and weirder and more beautiful than obedience.
TL;DR, read this glorious Black and sapphic response to the super white, super straight TV show Supernatural.
"You wear desire beautifully."
November 2, 2023
First of all, can we take a moment to appreciate the cover? It's gorgeous.
Cassiel is a nephilim and Avitue a demon, both conditioned to hate and kill the other. I really enjoy the enemies to lovers and forbidden romance tropes, but it didn't work for me here, unfortunately. They seem unduly obsessed with each other after only a few meetings, which I suppose can be put down to Avitue being a succubus, but just felt like instalove to me. I kept thinking it was all a ruse, and Avitue would claim Cassiel's soul for hell, but no.
It was really slow to start, but picked up when Avitue properly entered. She was my favourite character. I enjoyed the middle part of the book more than the beginning (slow) or ending (abruptly wrapping up too neatly).
The self-healing and getting out of an abusive household storyline was really good. I felt Cassiel's pain and trauma and wanted her to finally find peace and happiness. I did think the way it ended was too easy, though. I don't think Gabriel would just leave, but I think it speaks to another issue I had, which was a lack of depth. Everything felt pretty surface level.
Still, I enjoyed the writing and world building. 3.5 stars!
Cassiel is a nephilim and Avitue a demon, both conditioned to hate and kill the other. I really enjoy the enemies to lovers and forbidden romance tropes, but it didn't work for me here, unfortunately. They seem unduly obsessed with each other after only a few meetings, which I suppose can be put down to Avitue being a succubus, but just felt like instalove to me. I kept thinking it was all a ruse, and Avitue would claim Cassiel's soul for hell, but no.
It was really slow to start, but picked up when Avitue properly entered. She was my favourite character. I enjoyed the middle part of the book more than the beginning (slow) or ending (abruptly wrapping up too neatly).
The self-healing and getting out of an abusive household storyline was really good. I felt Cassiel's pain and trauma and wanted her to finally find peace and happiness. I did think the way it ended was too easy, though. I don't think Gabriel would just leave, but I think it speaks to another issue I had, which was a lack of depth. Everything felt pretty surface level.
Still, I enjoyed the writing and world building. 3.5 stars!
January 16, 2025
4 Stars
The Fall That Saved Us by Tamara Jerée captures the complexities of religious trauma, oppressive family, self-discovery and the healing process.
I almost lost faith (pun not intended) in the story when it moved towards the seduction and sexual part because it felt cliché (succubus tempting an angel etc) but then I understood the author’s intention (trust the process). The reader is supposed to look beyond the sex, look beyond the lust and hone in on the journey of self-acceptance and challenging ingrained beliefs. The supporting characters also enrich the narrative, highlighting the importance of chosen family and community.
I should have noticed that the novel’s pacing was deliberate. It took a while for me to understand that the slow-ish pace at the beginning is to allow for deep character development and introspection. The slow tempo served to underscore the main character’s internal struggles and gradual transformation. The resolution, though swift, aligns with the character-driven nature of the story.
Recommended for Supernatural (tv show) fans who want more angels and demons content because I am obsessed with this folklore.
The Fall That Saved Us by Tamara Jerée captures the complexities of religious trauma, oppressive family, self-discovery and the healing process.
I almost lost faith (pun not intended) in the story when it moved towards the seduction and sexual part because it felt cliché (succubus tempting an angel etc) but then I understood the author’s intention (trust the process). The reader is supposed to look beyond the sex, look beyond the lust and hone in on the journey of self-acceptance and challenging ingrained beliefs. The supporting characters also enrich the narrative, highlighting the importance of chosen family and community.
I should have noticed that the novel’s pacing was deliberate. It took a while for me to understand that the slow-ish pace at the beginning is to allow for deep character development and introspection. The slow tempo served to underscore the main character’s internal struggles and gradual transformation. The resolution, though swift, aligns with the character-driven nature of the story.
Recommended for Supernatural (tv show) fans who want more angels and demons content because I am obsessed with this folklore.
August 20, 2023
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Water Sign Books, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A good cover is huge, and this one is absolutely stunning. I was immediately drawn to this story based solely on that. Finding out that it was a sapphic romance between a Nephilim and a Succubus? I'm in. That said, the summary presented this as more of a fantasy with a touch of romance, when I felt that it was more of a romance with a touch of fantasy.
While reading, I couldn't help yearning this to dig a little deeper. Had there been a deeper dive into Cassiel's past, the family business, the budding war, or maybe even a glimpse at Avitue's POV, I think this would've been a more enjoyable story. It was okay, but it just did not deliver everything I was hoping it would. I will likely pick up book two just to find out if the plot further develops.
A good cover is huge, and this one is absolutely stunning. I was immediately drawn to this story based solely on that. Finding out that it was a sapphic romance between a Nephilim and a Succubus? I'm in. That said, the summary presented this as more of a fantasy with a touch of romance, when I felt that it was more of a romance with a touch of fantasy.
While reading, I couldn't help yearning this to dig a little deeper. Had there been a deeper dive into Cassiel's past, the family business, the budding war, or maybe even a glimpse at Avitue's POV, I think this would've been a more enjoyable story. It was okay, but it just did not deliver everything I was hoping it would. I will likely pick up book two just to find out if the plot further develops.
September 2, 2023
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and it did not disappoint! The plot was engaging and I loved Cassiel and Avitue as a couple. I didn’t feel like their relationship was too rushed or anything despite developing quickly, as it makes sense that Cassiel would be quick to attach to someone after a lifetime of being deprived.
Just overall really excellent, can’t wait to read whatever Tamara Jerée writes next!
Love sapphic books, too? Let's be friends! Booktok | Twitter
Just overall really excellent, can’t wait to read whatever Tamara Jerée writes next!
Love sapphic books, too? Let's be friends! Booktok | Twitter
June 5, 2024
Where's my hot demon gf......??
January 6, 2025
“You defied Hell for me.”
“I’d do it again.”
where is my hot demon girlfriend 😭😭😭
“I’d do it again.”
where is my hot demon girlfriend 😭😭😭
August 14, 2023
I enjoyed my time with this book. I feel that it delivered the right amount of steam, romance, longing and mystery. The paranormal elements in this were exquisite, and coming from me that's saying a lot, as I'm not the hugest fan of paranormal romances. I really liked our MCs Cassiel and Avitue and I felt that they paired well together.
I appreciate the fact that even though this is technically a paranormal fantasy romance, we still got a good plot and had this strained family dynamic going on when it came to Cassiel and her family.
I liked the conversations that were had about eating disorders, self harm, and closing yourself and your desires off from yourself and others. I also really appreciate how consent was such a big thing in this book - because as we all know, consent is sexy.
I will say the second half of the book was a bit slower for me but there is so much potential for more and I'm excited!
I appreciate the fact that even though this is technically a paranormal fantasy romance, we still got a good plot and had this strained family dynamic going on when it came to Cassiel and her family.
I liked the conversations that were had about eating disorders, self harm, and closing yourself and your desires off from yourself and others. I also really appreciate how consent was such a big thing in this book - because as we all know, consent is sexy.
I will say the second half of the book was a bit slower for me but there is so much potential for more and I'm excited!
June 19, 2024
I love women loving women
LETS GO LESBIANS! I love them so much! My demon and angel duo they would have to pry you out of my cold dead hands
LETS GO LESBIANS! I love them so much! My demon and angel duo they would have to pry you out of my cold dead hands
December 30, 2023
4.5 stars for this moody, sexy Sapphic urban fantasy romance between an ex-demon hunter and the demon who was sent to seduce and destroy her but ends up helping her heal.
This is such a promising debut! I enjoyed this so much. At it’s heart, it’s the story of a woman learning how to love and trust after leaving her abusive family – against the backdrop of a centuries long war between angels and demons.
There were some pacing issues and a couple plot holes. The first 3/4 ish is stronger than the last 1/4 – and I’m not sure I really buy the ending, including the way the HEA is set up (I do believe they’re in love and happy together). But I didn’t care that much because I just loved the main character, Cassiel, an ex-demon-hunter turned bookstore owner, and I was so invested in her growth and happiness.
It's an interesting mix of cozy and dark. There's a lot of cozy comfort in this book – Cassiel’s bookstore, her best friend’s coffee shop and the way the succubus Avitue initially woos her with beautiful teacups full of fragrant tea. But be warned that the dark parts are pretty dark. There’s disordered eating, self harm and so, so much shame. Read the content warnings at the beginning of the book.
It’s told entirely from Cassiel’s POV, in close 3rd person. She left her horribly manipulative and abusive mother and the rest of her family 3 years ago but is still recovering. Her mother insisted that extreme denial, asceticism and self-punishment was necessary to connect with their angelic heritage and be effective demon hunters. Cassiel really struggles with that – with learning not to deny herself and to not punish herself for her desires. I loved how Avitue helped her connect with her desires and her power. But it’s not exactly an easy journey.
This is such a promising debut! I enjoyed this so much. At it’s heart, it’s the story of a woman learning how to love and trust after leaving her abusive family – against the backdrop of a centuries long war between angels and demons.
There were some pacing issues and a couple plot holes. The first 3/4 ish is stronger than the last 1/4 – and I’m not sure I really buy the ending, including the way the HEA is set up (I do believe they’re in love and happy together). But I didn’t care that much because I just loved the main character, Cassiel, an ex-demon-hunter turned bookstore owner, and I was so invested in her growth and happiness.
It's an interesting mix of cozy and dark. There's a lot of cozy comfort in this book – Cassiel’s bookstore, her best friend’s coffee shop and the way the succubus Avitue initially woos her with beautiful teacups full of fragrant tea. But be warned that the dark parts are pretty dark. There’s disordered eating, self harm and so, so much shame. Read the content warnings at the beginning of the book.
It’s told entirely from Cassiel’s POV, in close 3rd person. She left her horribly manipulative and abusive mother and the rest of her family 3 years ago but is still recovering. Her mother insisted that extreme denial, asceticism and self-punishment was necessary to connect with their angelic heritage and be effective demon hunters. Cassiel really struggles with that – with learning not to deny herself and to not punish herself for her desires. I loved how Avitue helped her connect with her desires and her power. But it’s not exactly an easy journey.
September 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, this is my honest review.
Wow I loved this book. It has a cozy bookshop, a bookseller that gives out certain books for free, a caring witch best friend that owns a coffee shop across the street, an incredibly sexy succubus and a sweet, shy, angel trying to find herself after an abusive parent.
It gave me all the Sapphic good omens vibes I wanted, while still being its own unique story. ✨️ Everytime Avitue called Cassiel "Angel" my heart skipped a beat. ✨️
The imagery in this book was some of my favorite I've read in a while. The way characters were described, the impact of atmosphere, the way looks were dripping with desire and hunger, the shear AWE of wings.
I cannot wait for book two. Also, omg that cover? 😍 Perfection.
Wow I loved this book. It has a cozy bookshop, a bookseller that gives out certain books for free, a caring witch best friend that owns a coffee shop across the street, an incredibly sexy succubus and a sweet, shy, angel trying to find herself after an abusive parent.
It gave me all the Sapphic good omens vibes I wanted, while still being its own unique story. ✨️ Everytime Avitue called Cassiel "Angel" my heart skipped a beat. ✨️
The imagery in this book was some of my favorite I've read in a while. The way characters were described, the impact of atmosphere, the way looks were dripping with desire and hunger, the shear AWE of wings.
I cannot wait for book two. Also, omg that cover? 😍 Perfection.
December 17, 2023
This was not what I expected. At the very beginning, I appreciated the clear depiction of an abusive family (although the main character never reads like a 30yo, I though she was like early 20s at best by then and only because she mentions having been a hunter for 10 years). But this falls away quickly to leave the entire focus on the sort of age gap, sort of BDSM, unhealthy/harmful sex, experienced-teaser-and-virginal-blushy-teasee-who-likes-it, "romantic" dynamic. Adding to it that this is not the epic story of an angel(-ish) and a demon actually breaking down any structure or society of black and white millenial supernatural wars that the blurb promises but a mere excuse for said romance, and that the resolution is very quick and superficial and therefore flat when we're told the whole time that they're both risking their eternal lives/souls, and that the abuse gets almost glossed over in that way that she's supposed to have overcome it thanks to said romance (with zero effort on the lover's part except that she can sort of read minds), and well...
January 7, 2024
me and cass are the exact same because i’d have fallen for avitue in a heartbeat
January 26, 2025
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️
In The Fall that Saved Us we have Cassiel, a nephilim with angelic heritage and Avitue, the fallen angel turned succubus in a forbidden love story. The premise of this story was very strong, I loved the religious trauma healing journey both of these women found themselves on. The timeless war of angels vs demons but in the human realm, bending society into something magical and mythical was super intriguing. I will say, Tamara Jerée really sets the mood and brings their characters and world to life.
My gripe with this book was the pacing. The beginning felt slow, giving us some flashbacks and glimpses into Cassiel’s background and trauma. When the relationship with Avitue hit the scene, it felt very rushed from “this demon is haunting me” to “I trust her and will give her my soul.” With Cassiel’s history, I kind of expected her to be extra skeptical of Avitue but it was the exact opposite. It felt a bit instalove to me which I didn’t hate for Avitue, but for Cassiel it felt a little out of character.
The ending also left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. It felt like the weight of their antagonists was jobbed really well in the lead up, but then both encounters with heaven and hells mouthpieces felt too easy.
The relationship with Cassiel and Avitue did grow into something really gentle and wholesome, given the dark part of Avitue feeding on Cass. I did really love them together, but I wish I had gotten more time with their growth. Overall I still enjoyed the book and do look forward to a potential sequel, I just hope some of the pacing elements can be ironed out.
In The Fall that Saved Us we have Cassiel, a nephilim with angelic heritage and Avitue, the fallen angel turned succubus in a forbidden love story. The premise of this story was very strong, I loved the religious trauma healing journey both of these women found themselves on. The timeless war of angels vs demons but in the human realm, bending society into something magical and mythical was super intriguing. I will say, Tamara Jerée really sets the mood and brings their characters and world to life.
My gripe with this book was the pacing. The beginning felt slow, giving us some flashbacks and glimpses into Cassiel’s background and trauma. When the relationship with Avitue hit the scene, it felt very rushed from “this demon is haunting me” to “I trust her and will give her my soul.” With Cassiel’s history, I kind of expected her to be extra skeptical of Avitue but it was the exact opposite. It felt a bit instalove to me which I didn’t hate for Avitue, but for Cassiel it felt a little out of character.
The ending also left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. It felt like the weight of their antagonists was jobbed really well in the lead up, but then both encounters with heaven and hells mouthpieces felt too easy.
The relationship with Cassiel and Avitue did grow into something really gentle and wholesome, given the dark part of Avitue feeding on Cass. I did really love them together, but I wish I had gotten more time with their growth. Overall I still enjoyed the book and do look forward to a potential sequel, I just hope some of the pacing elements can be ironed out.
June 4, 2024
This was such a sweet read, which is amazing considering how hard its subject matter was at times. It’s like getting a tender hug and having someone tell you it’ll be okay.
My only nitpick is that I don’t think there needed to be two brother characters (I honestly don’t think either of them even speak). Their presence just felt unnecessary.
My only nitpick is that I don’t think there needed to be two brother characters (I honestly don’t think either of them even speak). Their presence just felt unnecessary.
January 22, 2025
felt like it was missing something in the climax but not sure what
you can tell the author really thought through the nephilim lore and training and I guess I expected more of that to be explored further on page
the romance is one of the weightier aspects
you can tell the author really thought through the nephilim lore and training and I guess I expected more of that to be explored further on page
the romance is one of the weightier aspects
August 4, 2025
i think you might be the first person to ever ask a demon about their pronouns 😈
October 22, 2023
“I wanted her to say she’d miss me. I wanted an affirmation that we’d made this life less terrible for each other.”
This was one of the best books I read all year. I look back at the quotes I highlighted while reading and I tear up. There was just so much that resonated with me. The Fall That Saved Us is so much more than a romance, though there would be nothing wrong with that if it was! The Fall That Saved Us is a romance, yes, but it’s also a horror, an examination of the boundaries of sisterhood, a reckoning of familial bonds and responsibilities in relation to identity and the self. I could go on. This book was not only beautifully written but it was incredibly layered, with each topic handled with care. This is the type of book that makes me want to continue on my own writing journey because it shows me that Black voices in speculative fiction are varied and valued.
The Fall That Saved Us follows Cassie, the scion of an ancient and powerful demon-hunting family descended from archangels, and Avitue, a Fallen angel and demon. Both women are lost and searching in their own ways, and they meet each other at the exact right time, though they scarcely know it. Each has what the other lacks, and they complete each other and fill out each other’s lives. They struggle and falter in their views of themselves and what they feel like they can offer someone else. And it is beautiful to witness because in the process they learn so much about themselves.
The Fall mentioned in the title, in my opinion, is threefold. Cassiel and Avitue aren’t the only ones who fall in order to emerge different and changed. Cassiel’s sister, Zuriel, has been left behind at the family compound by Cassiel to try to live up to their mother’s high expectations, which have only risen with Cassiel’s departure. The quote at the beginning of this review is about Zuriel and Cassiel’s hopes for their relationship as sisters. What you owe your family and what they owe you in return is a big theme in The Fall That Saved Us, and it’s put to the test with the relationship between the sisters. How does a relationship change when one of the participants leaves to make their own way? How do you move on from being codependent to only depending on yourself? Cassiel and Zuriel struggle with this, and it broke my heart.
If it hasn’t been apparent, I loved this book! I was so happy to see that it will have a sequel because I’m so excited to see the progression of Tamara Jerée’s writing and where Cassiel and Avitue’s story heads next.
This was one of the best books I read all year. I look back at the quotes I highlighted while reading and I tear up. There was just so much that resonated with me. The Fall That Saved Us is so much more than a romance, though there would be nothing wrong with that if it was! The Fall That Saved Us is a romance, yes, but it’s also a horror, an examination of the boundaries of sisterhood, a reckoning of familial bonds and responsibilities in relation to identity and the self. I could go on. This book was not only beautifully written but it was incredibly layered, with each topic handled with care. This is the type of book that makes me want to continue on my own writing journey because it shows me that Black voices in speculative fiction are varied and valued.
The Fall That Saved Us follows Cassie, the scion of an ancient and powerful demon-hunting family descended from archangels, and Avitue, a Fallen angel and demon. Both women are lost and searching in their own ways, and they meet each other at the exact right time, though they scarcely know it. Each has what the other lacks, and they complete each other and fill out each other’s lives. They struggle and falter in their views of themselves and what they feel like they can offer someone else. And it is beautiful to witness because in the process they learn so much about themselves.
The Fall mentioned in the title, in my opinion, is threefold. Cassiel and Avitue aren’t the only ones who fall in order to emerge different and changed. Cassiel’s sister, Zuriel, has been left behind at the family compound by Cassiel to try to live up to their mother’s high expectations, which have only risen with Cassiel’s departure. The quote at the beginning of this review is about Zuriel and Cassiel’s hopes for their relationship as sisters. What you owe your family and what they owe you in return is a big theme in The Fall That Saved Us, and it’s put to the test with the relationship between the sisters. How does a relationship change when one of the participants leaves to make their own way? How do you move on from being codependent to only depending on yourself? Cassiel and Zuriel struggle with this, and it broke my heart.
If it hasn’t been apparent, I loved this book! I was so happy to see that it will have a sequel because I’m so excited to see the progression of Tamara Jerée’s writing and where Cassiel and Avitue’s story heads next.
November 5, 2024
Highlights
~wish-fulfilment bookshop!
~fuck fundamentalists
~unique take on angels+nephilim
~the best bestie
~it takes strength to be soft
The Fall That Saved Us managed to take so many things I usually can’t stand – from first-person present-tense narration to worldbuilding that leaves no room for non-Abrahamic religions – and make me fall in love with all of it.
There’s an element of cosy escapism here – as Jerée says in the author’s note, that’s why they gave Cassiel a bookshop to run – but this is a book of many things, multiple disparate themes braided together expertly. To the point that I have to wonder, is this really Jerée’s debut novel?! Because when I say expertly, I mean expertly – I’m aware they have plenty of short stories under her belt, but that requires a different skillset than writing a novel, and nothing about The Fall That Saved Us reads like these novel-writing skills are brand new! The Fall That Saved Us is a polished, decadent gem of a book, one that crowns Jerée as an author to watch.
I think the best part of self-publishing is how it gives space for books that traditional publishers might struggle to stick into a neat little box. The Fall That Saved Us blurs the lines between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, and brings the best of both – as well as a deft exploration of themes neither genre usually delves too deeply into – to an elegantly simple, but beautiful and unique take on the myth of the Nephilim.
If you don’t know, Nephilim are the descendants of angels and humans, depicted as dangerous giants in the Torah, but cast as angel-venerating demon hunters in Jerée’s debut. I really can’t emphasise enough how much I love the worldbuilding here; Jerée doesn’t drown us in lore, keeps things quite simple, but it’s a gorgeous kind of simple, with ideas I’ve never seen before. For example, Nephilim are named after individual angels – because they belong to that angel, are kind of a part of them, and when the Nephilim dies, they become one with said angel, merge with it. That’s such a cool concept, with so many ramifications for Nephilim culture, and their views on identity and personhood!
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
~wish-fulfilment bookshop!
~fuck fundamentalists
~unique take on angels+nephilim
~the best bestie
~it takes strength to be soft
The Fall That Saved Us managed to take so many things I usually can’t stand – from first-person present-tense narration to worldbuilding that leaves no room for non-Abrahamic religions – and make me fall in love with all of it.
There’s an element of cosy escapism here – as Jerée says in the author’s note, that’s why they gave Cassiel a bookshop to run – but this is a book of many things, multiple disparate themes braided together expertly. To the point that I have to wonder, is this really Jerée’s debut novel?! Because when I say expertly, I mean expertly – I’m aware they have plenty of short stories under her belt, but that requires a different skillset than writing a novel, and nothing about The Fall That Saved Us reads like these novel-writing skills are brand new! The Fall That Saved Us is a polished, decadent gem of a book, one that crowns Jerée as an author to watch.
I think the best part of self-publishing is how it gives space for books that traditional publishers might struggle to stick into a neat little box. The Fall That Saved Us blurs the lines between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, and brings the best of both – as well as a deft exploration of themes neither genre usually delves too deeply into – to an elegantly simple, but beautiful and unique take on the myth of the Nephilim.
If you don’t know, Nephilim are the descendants of angels and humans, depicted as dangerous giants in the Torah, but cast as angel-venerating demon hunters in Jerée’s debut. I really can’t emphasise enough how much I love the worldbuilding here; Jerée doesn’t drown us in lore, keeps things quite simple, but it’s a gorgeous kind of simple, with ideas I’ve never seen before. For example, Nephilim are named after individual angels – because they belong to that angel, are kind of a part of them, and when the Nephilim dies, they become one with said angel, merge with it. That’s such a cool concept, with so many ramifications for Nephilim culture, and their views on identity and personhood!
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
August 20, 2023
Cassiel, a retired demon hunter, has found a place where she can finally be free and normal. She is a Nephilim which are humans with angel blood. After leaving an abusive home life she established a bookstore where she could recover and find herself. That suddenly becomes uprooted when a demon starts to haunt her. But is the demon there to harm her? Will Cassiel finally find her strength after being known as the weakest of the Nephilim? Will she overcome her trauma that still has a tight hold on her?
Avitue, a succubus with golden eyes, is sent to harm Cassiel as punishment for the Nephilim killing a Duke of Hell. Will she start to waver in her mission when seeing Cassiel’s kind heart? Will Cassiel and Avitue decide to join the eternal fight between heaven and hell? Or will they decide not to get involved despite the repercussions?
“The Fall That Saved Us” by Tamara Jeree is a sweet Queer book about angels and demons and finding love in others and within themselves. I gave the book a 3 out 5 because I liked it but didn’t love it. The story felt a little disconnected and nothing really kept me in the story when I was reading it and the romance was a bit rushed. I think I would have liked it better if it was in Avitue’s POV instead of Cassiel’s. I did like Cassiel’s backstory with trauma though. Despite all that, the book has a lot of potential. I do love the cover so much.
Avitue, a succubus with golden eyes, is sent to harm Cassiel as punishment for the Nephilim killing a Duke of Hell. Will she start to waver in her mission when seeing Cassiel’s kind heart? Will Cassiel and Avitue decide to join the eternal fight between heaven and hell? Or will they decide not to get involved despite the repercussions?
“The Fall That Saved Us” by Tamara Jeree is a sweet Queer book about angels and demons and finding love in others and within themselves. I gave the book a 3 out 5 because I liked it but didn’t love it. The story felt a little disconnected and nothing really kept me in the story when I was reading it and the romance was a bit rushed. I think I would have liked it better if it was in Avitue’s POV instead of Cassiel’s. I did like Cassiel’s backstory with trauma though. Despite all that, the book has a lot of potential. I do love the cover so much.
May 18, 2024
For a book so thickly populated with angels, demons, and witches, this story is very rooted in universal human emotions. This story discusses sisterhood, divinity, family, abuse, and love. It's about a love so strong it scares and empowers. I would've liked the magic system to feel more structured and fleshed out, but I understand why that's not the focus of the story.
March 2, 2024
Cassiel, a nephilim, has escaped from her oppressive family of demon hunters for a quiet life as a small bookstore owner. But when she finds herself stalked by a succubus hunting after her soul, she is forced to confront the lies of her family. This is a story of how a demon and an angel save each other.
I would not consider myself the target audience for this book. I’m not a big fan of romantasy, the enemies to lover’s trope, and of angelic lore and mythology. Despite all of that, you cannot deny good writing and I can objectively say that this was a good book.
I encourage anyone interested in picking this one up to first check out the look inside sample, because the prose is very unique, and I don’t think it’s for everyone. It’s not my personal favorite but I do think that this particular prose lends itself well to the ethereal atmosphere and tone of the book. It had that perfect lyrical quality for a book that explored angels and demons. In addition, there were some really beautiful metaphors and sentences that I truly enjoyed.
This book is primarily an enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance. It also features the forbidden romance trope. I thought both love interests were well-written and that they each had their own different lies to untangle and trauma to unpack throughout the narrative. Considering the lore behind angels and demons, the initial reason behind both of them being enemies made perfect sense to me. Although their courtship was fast, it felt aligned with each of their characters. After a lifetime of abuse, I can believe that Cassiel would be vulnerable to someone who treated her with kindness, and that Avitue would be drawn to someone who could pique her interest after thousands of years of being a succubus. I'm willing to forgive the quickness of their relationship, because it made sense taking their characters into consideration. Reading this book reminded me of reading Supernatural fanfiction, with the dark and dramatic worldbuilding revolved around the supernatural and demon hunting, but heavily focused on the romance. Lol. There’s even a demon hunter sibling relationship in the book that is central to the plot.
The themes of the book explore purity culture, shame, bodily autonomy, agency, familial relationships, & escaping an abusive household. Furthermore, tying these themes into a narrative about angels and demons, and all of the purity and sin that comes with those connotations was very brilliantly done. The demon hunting nephilims live a life of extreme ascetism, believing that denying themselves pleasure and desire will strengthen their connection to the angels and make them into better demon hunters. Cassiel unravels that trauma throughout the narrative, and through her relationship with Avitue, learns to better love herself, to heal, and to reclaim her desires and freedom from the toxic environment she grew up in. This character arc, in my opinion, was just as or even more powerful than the romance. For me, when you put this book in the context of a woman's journey of self-healing, regardless whether it is a romance or a supernatural drama about a war between angels and demons aside, the pacing, the narrative choices, and the ending makes sense from this lens. In addition, I do want to acknowledge the beautiful portrayal of queer black women in the roles of angels and demons, and how that representation forces you to put race, gender, and sexuality into the context of themes that the book is exploring.
The cover is very beautiful, which was what initially drew me in, and I do think it gives an accurate representation of the vibes of the book. It’s beautiful, it’s lyrical, and it’s black and queer as hell.
I personally don’t know if I would give my soul to a demon just to be with them but overall, if you are looking for a lyrical and more literary enemies-to-lovers romance with angels and demons that have emotional and thematic resonance, then I highly recommend this book for you.
TW: Self-harm, familial abuse, eating disorder
Personal Rating: 4.5 stars
Indie Rating: 5 stars
I would not consider myself the target audience for this book. I’m not a big fan of romantasy, the enemies to lover’s trope, and of angelic lore and mythology. Despite all of that, you cannot deny good writing and I can objectively say that this was a good book.
I encourage anyone interested in picking this one up to first check out the look inside sample, because the prose is very unique, and I don’t think it’s for everyone. It’s not my personal favorite but I do think that this particular prose lends itself well to the ethereal atmosphere and tone of the book. It had that perfect lyrical quality for a book that explored angels and demons. In addition, there were some really beautiful metaphors and sentences that I truly enjoyed.
This book is primarily an enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance. It also features the forbidden romance trope. I thought both love interests were well-written and that they each had their own different lies to untangle and trauma to unpack throughout the narrative. Considering the lore behind angels and demons, the initial reason behind both of them being enemies made perfect sense to me. Although their courtship was fast, it felt aligned with each of their characters. After a lifetime of abuse, I can believe that Cassiel would be vulnerable to someone who treated her with kindness, and that Avitue would be drawn to someone who could pique her interest after thousands of years of being a succubus. I'm willing to forgive the quickness of their relationship, because it made sense taking their characters into consideration. Reading this book reminded me of reading Supernatural fanfiction, with the dark and dramatic worldbuilding revolved around the supernatural and demon hunting, but heavily focused on the romance. Lol. There’s even a demon hunter sibling relationship in the book that is central to the plot.
The themes of the book explore purity culture, shame, bodily autonomy, agency, familial relationships, & escaping an abusive household. Furthermore, tying these themes into a narrative about angels and demons, and all of the purity and sin that comes with those connotations was very brilliantly done. The demon hunting nephilims live a life of extreme ascetism, believing that denying themselves pleasure and desire will strengthen their connection to the angels and make them into better demon hunters. Cassiel unravels that trauma throughout the narrative, and through her relationship with Avitue, learns to better love herself, to heal, and to reclaim her desires and freedom from the toxic environment she grew up in. This character arc, in my opinion, was just as or even more powerful than the romance. For me, when you put this book in the context of a woman's journey of self-healing, regardless whether it is a romance or a supernatural drama about a war between angels and demons aside, the pacing, the narrative choices, and the ending makes sense from this lens. In addition, I do want to acknowledge the beautiful portrayal of queer black women in the roles of angels and demons, and how that representation forces you to put race, gender, and sexuality into the context of themes that the book is exploring.
The cover is very beautiful, which was what initially drew me in, and I do think it gives an accurate representation of the vibes of the book. It’s beautiful, it’s lyrical, and it’s black and queer as hell.
I personally don’t know if I would give my soul to a demon just to be with them but overall, if you are looking for a lyrical and more literary enemies-to-lovers romance with angels and demons that have emotional and thematic resonance, then I highly recommend this book for you.
TW: Self-harm, familial abuse, eating disorder
Personal Rating: 4.5 stars
Indie Rating: 5 stars
September 7, 2023
Ever watched Supernatural and wished it was way less white and much more Sapphic? This isn't exactly that, but we've got part-angels (nepheline), we've got demons (a succubus), we've got lore going back to the beginning of time and we've got MANY-eyed angels, so, bless. Not only that, but both the main character Cassiel and her family are Black as well as the succubus that takes interest in her, her best friend is Latina, and it's real refreshing when so much of angel-media is these lily white gently wavy haired dudes and the succubi are sexxxy ladies whereas THIS succubus is a non-gendered being who happens to enjoy this lady-form currently, a bonus as our MC Cassiel also is very attracted to her!
We've got religious trauma! A crummy family where the matriarch makes even her kids call her by her first name! We've got cool angel weapons! We've got great sensory descriptions, a list of content warnings in the front, and friends we've got sapphic spice! Also we've got this GORGEOUS cover??? Okay I definitely arrived for the gorgeous cover and I stayed for the everything else. Oh! We've also got a bookshop and lovely tea.
I think my only step back was that the romance was pretty quick and I'm still not sure what drew Avitue to Cassiel so strongly but that may be a personal failing on my part as well. I read in the acknowledgements that there will be a sequel and I'll definitely read it to see what happens!
Thanks to NetGalley and Water Sign Books for the read in exchange fro my honest review!
We've got religious trauma! A crummy family where the matriarch makes even her kids call her by her first name! We've got cool angel weapons! We've got great sensory descriptions, a list of content warnings in the front, and friends we've got sapphic spice! Also we've got this GORGEOUS cover??? Okay I definitely arrived for the gorgeous cover and I stayed for the everything else. Oh! We've also got a bookshop and lovely tea.
I think my only step back was that the romance was pretty quick and I'm still not sure what drew Avitue to Cassiel so strongly but that may be a personal failing on my part as well. I read in the acknowledgements that there will be a sequel and I'll definitely read it to see what happens!
Thanks to NetGalley and Water Sign Books for the read in exchange fro my honest review!
April 24, 2024
For the readers out there who believe romantasy is nothing more than publishing’s equivalent of cotton candy, or worse, those who believe that self-published books don’t contain the deeper themes and polished prose of their traditional counterparts, I would like change your mind. The Fall that Saved Us is one of the most moving books I have read. The main character, Cassiel, wants nothing more than to move past the abuse she experienced at the hand of her mother, the one person who should have loved her the most. Yet her journey towards healing comes from the most unexpected source—a succubus sent straight from the pit of Hell. I have never wanted a happily-ever-after more than I did for angel Cassiel and demon Avitue. It’s not a spoiler to say it delivers on the romance genre conventions of romantasy. However, do not mistake this for an escapist romp. Jerée has an MFA and is a graduate of the Odyssey Writing Workshop, and their debut novel could be shelved alongside literary titles and hold its own.
The Fall that Saved Us follows Cassiel, a human avatar of the Archangel Cassiel who resides in heaven. Raised by her controlling mother, Cassiel trains alongside her extended angelic family in the art of demon slaying. Not one for combat, Cassiel eventually leaves and escapes to nearby Chicago. There she founds an indie-bookstore and befriends a human witch named Ana.
Despite leaving home, Cassiel cannot fully overcome the conditioning that led her to believe the human aspects of her form were sinful. No eating food for enjoyment, no peering in mirrors, and certainly no sexual contact of any sort. To make matters worse, she feels abandoned by her beloved sister Zuriel, who breaks off contact when Cassiel leaves home.
Perhaps Cassiel would have continued to live her life haunted by this worldview, but she meets Avitue.
Can I fangirl for a moment? Avitue, the sexy succubus with the cascade of dark curls atop her head and a body con dress hugging every curve, is such a fun character. Jerée noted Good Omens was one of the books that inspired them during their Q and A session at Chicago’s Romantasy Festival. Avitue can be thought of as a feminine version of Crowley. With the same wicked sense of humor and adoration for the finer things in the human realm, Avitue gives Cassiel a somewhat safe space to question everything she’s been raised to believe. (Because how safe IS hanging out with someone who feeds on blood?)
Their encounters on page range from scary to sweet to sexy, though with that hint of trickster energy, one can never be sure if trusting Avitue is a great idea.
Please read the trigger warnings to ensure you’re ready to go on the journey with Cassiel. While this narrative is ultimately a gorgeous story about healing, Jerée does not hold back when it comes to depicting the ill-effects of the 1990s push towards purity culture and the continued shaming of trans and non-binary people. These ideas have harmed many more people than they helped. It is my sincerest hope that those who have suffered can pick up this book when they’re ready so they can cheer Cassiel on as she uncovers her true self. After hearing Jerée speak at length about the process of writing this story, I believe they would agree.
Want to read the rest? Head over to my blog Romantasy Realms! https://romantasyrealms.substack.com/...
The Fall that Saved Us follows Cassiel, a human avatar of the Archangel Cassiel who resides in heaven. Raised by her controlling mother, Cassiel trains alongside her extended angelic family in the art of demon slaying. Not one for combat, Cassiel eventually leaves and escapes to nearby Chicago. There she founds an indie-bookstore and befriends a human witch named Ana.
Despite leaving home, Cassiel cannot fully overcome the conditioning that led her to believe the human aspects of her form were sinful. No eating food for enjoyment, no peering in mirrors, and certainly no sexual contact of any sort. To make matters worse, she feels abandoned by her beloved sister Zuriel, who breaks off contact when Cassiel leaves home.
Perhaps Cassiel would have continued to live her life haunted by this worldview, but she meets Avitue.
Can I fangirl for a moment? Avitue, the sexy succubus with the cascade of dark curls atop her head and a body con dress hugging every curve, is such a fun character. Jerée noted Good Omens was one of the books that inspired them during their Q and A session at Chicago’s Romantasy Festival. Avitue can be thought of as a feminine version of Crowley. With the same wicked sense of humor and adoration for the finer things in the human realm, Avitue gives Cassiel a somewhat safe space to question everything she’s been raised to believe. (Because how safe IS hanging out with someone who feeds on blood?)
Their encounters on page range from scary to sweet to sexy, though with that hint of trickster energy, one can never be sure if trusting Avitue is a great idea.
Please read the trigger warnings to ensure you’re ready to go on the journey with Cassiel. While this narrative is ultimately a gorgeous story about healing, Jerée does not hold back when it comes to depicting the ill-effects of the 1990s push towards purity culture and the continued shaming of trans and non-binary people. These ideas have harmed many more people than they helped. It is my sincerest hope that those who have suffered can pick up this book when they’re ready so they can cheer Cassiel on as she uncovers her true self. After hearing Jerée speak at length about the process of writing this story, I believe they would agree.
Want to read the rest? Head over to my blog Romantasy Realms! https://romantasyrealms.substack.com/...
July 4, 2024
"I don't have the time she's had. There's nothing equal to give."
Obsession and possession. Learning to trust, and a heck lot of lust. There were parts I definitely appreciated, like Avitue, for one. And that it's sapphic, for two. We need more sapphic novels that are just boldly sexy, and wet, and messy. And thirdly, of course, the gorgeous book cover. Avitue was written so charmingly that I felt the goosebumps rising from the hairs of my skin just reading her. Despite the author repeatedly pushing the idea that Cassiel is in fact, her own person, with her own abilities, she reminded me a lot of the damsels in distress you'd find in a regular fantasy novel. But I don't blame her for it.
"What they've done to you is worse than much of what we could."
I wanted to like it, but I didn't enjoy how the romance panned itself out. I understood that Avitue is a succubus, and it was done to show how Cassiel should let loose and embrace her sexuality, rather than feel shameful because of it. Not entirely my thing, because it felt like I was reading smut with a side of story. This book feels like shadows in alleyways, and mysterious strangers living in haunted mansions. Despite my overall lack of enjoyment, it is quite stunning writing, though, feels a bit like bearing one's naked body to the sun.
Obsession and possession. Learning to trust, and a heck lot of lust. There were parts I definitely appreciated, like Avitue, for one. And that it's sapphic, for two. We need more sapphic novels that are just boldly sexy, and wet, and messy. And thirdly, of course, the gorgeous book cover. Avitue was written so charmingly that I felt the goosebumps rising from the hairs of my skin just reading her. Despite the author repeatedly pushing the idea that Cassiel is in fact, her own person, with her own abilities, she reminded me a lot of the damsels in distress you'd find in a regular fantasy novel. But I don't blame her for it.
"What they've done to you is worse than much of what we could."
I wanted to like it, but I didn't enjoy how the romance panned itself out. I understood that Avitue is a succubus, and it was done to show how Cassiel should let loose and embrace her sexuality, rather than feel shameful because of it. Not entirely my thing, because it felt like I was reading smut with a side of story. This book feels like shadows in alleyways, and mysterious strangers living in haunted mansions. Despite my overall lack of enjoyment, it is quite stunning writing, though, feels a bit like bearing one's naked body to the sun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2025
This really hit the spot. If you need some sapphic melodrama, angel/demon, u-hauling, unpacking religious and childhood trauma, all with beautiful prose and a gorgeous aesthetic, this is perfect. It was sumptuous, emotional, and hit all five senses throughout.
Cassiel was an incredible character with well-explored strengths and weaknesses, and her journey of self-discovery and agency was really lovely to behold. The side characters were also really strong (shout out to Ana, the Latina witch coffee shop owner who is actual goals).
Some might say the romance was insta-lovey but to that I say, it is a part of our culture!! A demon manifests you chocolate and tea and then facilitates a sexual awakening, you fall in love and vow to die for each other, what don’t you understand? /silly
There were some moments where dialogue contained non-sequiturs, I think in service to the dramatic prose style, and while this is usually a pet-peeve for me, I found it didn’t bother me as it felt intentional.
Overall I highly recommend, and this got me in the mood for other queer biblical vibes so drop recs if you’ve got ‘em!
Cassiel was an incredible character with well-explored strengths and weaknesses, and her journey of self-discovery and agency was really lovely to behold. The side characters were also really strong (shout out to Ana, the Latina witch coffee shop owner who is actual goals).
Some might say the romance was insta-lovey but to that I say, it is a part of our culture!! A demon manifests you chocolate and tea and then facilitates a sexual awakening, you fall in love and vow to die for each other, what don’t you understand? /silly
There were some moments where dialogue contained non-sequiturs, I think in service to the dramatic prose style, and while this is usually a pet-peeve for me, I found it didn’t bother me as it felt intentional.
Overall I highly recommend, and this got me in the mood for other queer biblical vibes so drop recs if you’ve got ‘em!
June 6, 2024
3.5
I really enjoyed the worlbuilding, the characters, and that the plot centred a main character who had successfully escaped an abusive family but still dealt with the consequences/fallout of that decision.
I was a bit less sold on the romance because I'm soooo picky when it comes to romance and this one didn't feel unnaturally fast but still too fast for me, personally, but I know I have very particular taste and the overall chemistry was pretty good. The resolution of the plot side of things didn't fully satisfy me.
I really liked the characters in and of themselves, and the relationship between Cassiel and her sister was really interesting.
I really enjoyed the worlbuilding, the characters, and that the plot centred a main character who had successfully escaped an abusive family but still dealt with the consequences/fallout of that decision.
I was a bit less sold on the romance because I'm soooo picky when it comes to romance and this one didn't feel unnaturally fast but still too fast for me, personally, but I know I have very particular taste and the overall chemistry was pretty good. The resolution of the plot side of things didn't fully satisfy me.
I really liked the characters in and of themselves, and the relationship between Cassiel and her sister was really interesting.
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