Title: Realms of Fantasy
Authors: Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael
Publisher: http://samhainpublishing.com
Genre: Gay Fantasy Romance
Length: Novella
Rating: *****+ (out of 5)
This is a collection of 5 stories about demons and angels and every one deserves at least 5 stars.
Hunter and the Prey
Lev, an angel and demon hunter is in pursuit of his favourite prey – Alael, a demon from the Order of Blood who has been tormenting him for years. Alael is very beautiful with dark shining hair that shimmers in the light and Lev is torn between wanting to destroy him and taking him to bed. They have been playing a cat and mouse game with each other, it seems like forever, and whenever they are close enough, the air around them looks likely to explode and collapse with the emotions they can’t contain. When Alael saves Lev from other demons for the second time they realize it is time to put their feelings to the test and the sex that follows is so incredible they know there is no escape – from each other.
Angels of Blood
Adon, a Commander of the Order of Chaos, has been sent to reclaim or exterminate Irael, an angel who has established himself as a god after escaping mistreatment at the hands of Council members during the absence of his Master. Adon has been searching for Irael, his lover, for over 300 years without success. When they meet again Irael would not believe that Adon only wants to be with him regardless of the consequences to himself and it takes a major occurrence for the truth to be revealed and for Irael to know how much he means to Adon.
Unholy Need
Nichael is an angel of the Lower Order of Creation and he has been watching the house of a mage who has been fooling around with power beyond his understanding. Nias, one of Lucifer’s minor demons, is also watching the house and they realize that they are on the same mission, though with different objectives. When Nichael is told by Archangel Michael that he and Nias must work together he knows that they need each other and gives in to the powerful emotions of love and trust.
Order of the Highest
Talah is a fallen angel by choice working for the Disillusioned. He is dispatched to spy on the Order of the Highest by his newest lover, demon leader Sepha of the Damnation sect. When he arrives he realizes that he has a big problem, he is falling for his mentor Aridas the leader of the Order and, caught between the two powerful leaders he has to decide where his loyalties lie. Unfortunately before he can decide Sepha and Aridas have to battle to the death to win him.
The True Fall of Lucifer
This is a beautiful story of Lucifer and his creator the Archangel Michael and the love they have for each other, even though Lucifer is in a state of denial. Lucifer had been cast out of the Court of Heaven millennia ago but the shifting in the balance of power between worlds brought on by a power hungry mage brings him back to earth and danger. Michael rescues Lucifer and reveals the truth of their existence.
If you love smart writing, great characterizations, fantasy and just want to read an all round fabulous book with timing down to an art form look no further than Realms of Fantasy. My favourite character was, of course, Alael, that wonderful demon who won the heart of his angel Lev! Coming in a close second is Nias, Lucifer’s minor demon who found love at last with angel Nichael. This book will pick you up, make you smile a million times and wish that it would never end. What I most loved is that each story was completely different; although each featured angels and demons, the similarities ended there. The writing team of Carmichael and Black has created yet another gem that should find pride of place on any bookshelf and I would encourage readers of this or any other genre to make this book their next acquisition. Realms of Fantasy is a delight.
