The Mark of Abel
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Genre: Paranormal Romance
Tag: urban fantasy, paranormal, fallen angels, vampires, Lucifer, Grigori, Watchers, art, artist, Mary Magdalene, New England, Boston, heaven, hell, Dacia, Lilith, romance, Renoir
Release: December 21, 2012
Editor: Christine I. Speakman
Line Editor: Greta Gunselman
Cover Designer: Marion Sipe
Words 86935
Pages 313
ISBN 978-1-77127-220-9
Price $5.95
Back Cover:
Lucifer is fed up with humanity. He created hell to deter evil, but man’s inhumanity is only escalating. He just wants to return home to heaven, but ever since that little problem in the Garden of Eden, the Pearly Gates remain firmly shut to him. It doesn’t help that he’s the first vampire, an abomination in God’s sight.
Fortunately, two thousand years ago Lucifer’s estranged brother, Jesus, gave him a prophecy. To fulfill it, all Lucifer has to do is find the right artist, study her artwork and the path back to heaven will be revealed. The artist even bears a symbol so he knows who she is. Too bad she is murdered every time he finds her.
Janie’s a frustrated artist and college art teacher who wants two things—a guy she can show her paintings to and a night without nightmares. Each nightmare plagues her until she paints it. She doesn’t realize these paintings are key to unlocking her destiny, one that could redeem the original fallen angel.
REVIEWS
The Mark of Abel is an intriguing concept for a book and is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The author, Viola Ryan, has successfully created a story filled with humour, tension and romance. The two main protagonists are well polished and are fun to follow. Luke is an easy book throb to crush on, and Janie develops into a strong female lead, despite my doubts at the beginning of the book. The nature of the story effectively kept me engaged. The plot was well formulated and the development, on the whole, was appropriately paced, although I felt the book picked up momentum somewhat in the second half. Bex'n'Books
The story was amazing. I loved the idea of how Lucifer is supposed to get back into Heaven. We also see why it hasn't happened yet. I love how the line between good and evil is not as black and white as you would think. There is so much happening that hinders Luke's progress...for nearly 2000 years. Every time he is on the artist tracks, she dies. That is why Luke must find Janie quickly before it is too late. I won't tell you why because it is quite the spoiler, but again, it is a brilliant idea. Ryan puts a lot of twists in this book. The story is quite unpredictable. I recommend this for anyone wanting a new take on Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy. I love the mixture of religion and paranormal. The story is well written and complex. The characters leave quite the impact and are very memorable. The only complaint I have is that there are quite a bit of characters in this book. It takes a while to really get them down and trying to see who is the good or bad guy. Then again, that could be the whole point considering who the bad guys are in this book. You definitely have to read this book. Offbeat Vagabond
The Mark of Abel was a well paced book. I never felt like I was being rushed thru a scene.. Nor did I want to skim thru to a better part. Every page was good. Your concept of good and evil, Heaven and Hell will be thrown for a loop. Everything we have known all our lives about God & the Devil, way back to the garden of Eden are completely changed with a tiny twist that makes you really think. Is the Devil the evil we were all taught to believe, or is he in fact just misunderstood? I give this one 10 golden stars and highly recommend you give it a try! In fact, I am going to go sit down and reread it right now! Reviewing in Chaos
Ryan tackles this intense idea and she doesn't seem to have a single struggle, other than the ones within the plot. I loved this book! The characters - intense and real, even though some are anything but reality. Plot - a fine web that is crafted by a masterful spider, and it snags the reader in. There truly is nothing about this book that I found to be an issue. I'll admit these days it is far too often that a book is not polished, and ready for the public before it is thrust into a spotlight. The Mark of Abel is a star in the literary universe! Library at the End of the Universe
"I loved the plot twist at the end. I did not see that one coming!!! But I loved that it ended that way. The Mark of Abel has a very satisfying ending that ties up all the loose strings. I recommend the book to both women and men. I think it appeals across the board. If you're okay with foul language, the book is fine for YA. There are no smutty sex scenes." Open Book Society
"Ms. Ryan has something truly unique in The Mark of Abel she has created an original story. This is such a rare detour from the usual pack of hunky werewolves, sparkly vampires, and ambiguous creatures of the night that it needs close examination. Read The Mark of Abel with an open mind. It is an easy read with plenty of dialogue, emotions and actions. It might make you think of vampires and devils in a new way. This would be a good choice for paranormal, mythology, urban and even romance fans." NovelSpot
Things to love about The Mark of Abel… Lucifer. I loved the author’s view of him. Totally different, and very engaging. Janie. She was so tortured and written so well that I, as a reader, felt like I was living her life with her. The twist on tradition. I love, love, LOVE the flip on traditional mythology. It made this book stand out because it blended tradition with the paranormal so well! My recommendation: I definitely recommend this book! There were bits and pieces in the beginning that kind of went over my head, but that is simply because I am not well-versed in Christian religious mythology outside of the basics. But my lack of knowledge aside, this was a really refreshing and exciting book! The Caffeinated Diva Reads
"The book focuses on the present as well as the past. The present contains Janie's daily life. This ranges from Janie teaching her class, to strangers out to get her. The past is all about Luke (aka Lucifer) interacting with God and Eve in Eden. It brought a little bit of the story we all know and twisted it where the reader is seeing what is happening with details. The Mark of Abel is a fast read that left me craving more. I cannot wait to read more from Viola Ryan." Lily Element Book Review
"This was a wonderfully unique story. I really enjoyed the different takes on modern Christian beliefs and popular paranormal ideas. I think this blend of religion and paranormal was done so well. It definitely took a unique approach to an already inundated genre. Viola’s thoroughly done story and complete characters make’s this a geniunely phenomenal read. For anyone who likes angels, vampires and a good love story you will enjoy Mark of Abel. " The Book Maven
Excerpt
