The Seraph Contingency is absolutely absurd, in the best possible way. The plot, all of the character, the setting, and almost everything that comes out of Anael's mouth are all designed to send the reader's mind cartwheeling off the beaten path. Nothing is held sacred in this book. Ms. Fales manages to make a mockery of Christianity's hierarchy of angels, Satanism, ancient Greek mythology, the honourable tradition of K-pop music (not to mention Styx), public transit, and questionable fashion. But amongst all of the irreverence runs a good natured thread of humour. You can't help but love Anael (crazy as she is), feel sorry for Gaap's exasperation, root for the Duchess and bounce on your pins and needles to see what shenanigans the others might throw out next. There are a whole host of interesting side characters to choose from. If you're looking for a serious read, I wouldn't recommend this one. But if you have a few hours to spend alone (cause others might think you a little odd for laughing to yourself too often in public) this is one worth picking up. ( )

An angel/seraph walks into a bar...

Can you guess where this bar is located?

Purgatory.

Anael's child like curiosity, and desire for travel, brought her to purgatory but now that she's there, she can't turn back. It's only a matter of time now before something bad happens to such a pure and innocent soul in the dark corners of Purgatory.

You'll be taken through a ridiculous but refreshing story that takes you through Anael's experiences. She's kidnapped by one demon, rescued by another. All eventually leading her to Southern California where she meets a young Korean Satanist.

It seems the writer was intending on you being thrown in all different directions with the nonsensical writing style. Don't get me wrong, this is not a negative comment. This book is so unique and different you are guaranteed to have never read anything like it, which will keep you guessing without predicting.

The characters are extremely bizarre and unconventional, which made for an exciting read, because it seemed like anything could happen at any moment. You don't quite know whats going to happen, Jennifer Fales keeps you guessing with her imaginative plot and dramatic read. I can't say I have a favorite character because they were all so unique and different that I enjoyed reading about every one equally.

This is just a fun and freaky book. Your imagination will be taken on a ride like nothing else I've ever experienced. I was so surprised by the contents of this book, because the cover shows no impression of such a creative and wild book. This just proves you can't judge a book by it's cover, and if you did put this book back based on the cover and title, then you missed out on a one of a kind book.
I gladly give this book 5/5 and encourage everyone to give this book a chance. ( )

I loved the concept for this story. Jennifer Fales pokes fun at heaven, hell, and purgatory, but not in a malicious way. We have an angel who isn't quite angelic and demons who aren't all bad. The characters' personalities and struggles highlight all the shades of gray in life. Fales' writing style is engaging, full of quirky humor and surprising insight.

The book is written in omniscient POV, meaning we're in all the characters' heads, all the time. And there are a lot of characters. That, coupled with the author's particular writing style, kept me a little too distant emotionally. That was the only downfall for me. I would have liked a closer connection with one or two main characters. ( )