Third Prince of Heaven Raphael Azelys is a complex man. Those who know him are fully aware of his lustful tendencies, his recklessness, and his dangerous habits, but those who really know Raphael appreciate his unwavering commitment to do good for the people. All the people. For a millennium, the Azelys family has ruled in Alirie, a special place in Heaven free from the pressure and undesirable influence of demons. By decree, the only demons permitted within Alirie are honorary angels, demons who have chosen or been compelled to serve affluent angels. But it isn’t fair. Other than their glowing red eyes and an enhanced ability to heal, demons are practically the same as angels, though they get a bad rap and are largely shunned by angels. So it comes as a shock when Raphael is drawn to a dashing, troublemaking demon named Dante. Without a thought for the consequences, Raphael prevents Dante’s unjust execution, a gesture that isn’t repaid with gratitude. For a ghetto demon who has known only trouble and strife, nothing comes easily and everything has a catch, so Dante resents the prince’s help and resists a lucrative job offer. But Dante’s options are limited and he senses something trustworthy in Raphael. Reluctantly, he agrees to pose as an honorary angel while on a secret mission for the noble-minded prince. If they succeed, the Kingdom of Heaven will never be the same.
Romantic interludes and political intrigues collide in Reni Stankova’s spirited fantasy novel, The Enemy of Heaven. Opposite in every external way, Dante and Raphael are an unlikely match. Yet, when you strip away their upbringing and untangle their complexities, these men are more similar than they are different. Dante is a man who has learned to depend only on himself, so he closely guards his secrets, particularly his singular ability to fly. But Raphael has his own secret, a burden he’s quietly carried since childhood. Their intertwined stories are as engrossing as the unfolding plot. The worldbuilding is delicate, adding nuanced details that steadily bring life to Dante and Raphael’s Heaven. Crowded ghetto streets. Dazzling crystals used as lighting. A caste system that includes an angelic working class. Unethical experimentation. Untruths about the demon race. With twists moving in unique directions, each chapter contributes something small but meaningful to the developing story. Though the narrative suffers from sentence structure that lacks clarity and some inconsistent verb tenses, interesting characters, a shy romance, and familiar grievances that plague the people will keep readers invested. Injustices are revealed, betrayal is exposed, and tyranny is fought in The Enemy of Heaven.
