This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Plot Against Heaven

Paul is devastated by the death of his wife and determined to see her once again. But when he reaches Heaven in search of her, he will find that the pearly white gates are not what they seem. He is met with a divided military district and harsh treatment. Where are the angels and peace that Heaven is known for? In his quest to once again see his wife, Paul will see the temptation Hell brings and he will have to decide if he fights for Heaven or Hell.

The Plot Against Heaven may take a while to ground the reader in its world. I would have preferred a more detailed scene setting of Heaven before Paul begins to delve into the larger story. The rules and politics of the world seem to be lost in the mix as the emphasis focuses on Paul. However, given the treatment he receives, it isn’t hard to see why Paul is tempted by the Devil. Mark Kirkbride isn’t afraid to throw out the happy notions that surround Heaven and impose real world problems into it.

As Paul is learning of his situation and options, readers are given glimpses of the accident that took his wife away. The transitions between memory and the current timeline are a bit jolting, as there are no leads into or out of them. But the memories paint a picture of heartbreak and betrayal. Paul is desperate to see his wife again, but they remain separated by the rules of Heaven. Paul will do anything to see her again, even if that means bringing all of Heaven down around him.

In this fast paced novella, Mark Kirkbride brings to light how tempting the Devil can be and what desperation can do to a person. For fans of stories that are not afraid to bring contradictory viewpoints to light, The Plot Against Heaven is the ideal story for you. ( )