Review: Unexpected Pleasure Found in Gift Book
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 12, 2013
The Mark of Abel by Viola Ryan takes a two fanged approach to paranormal, mythology, and life, in general. Ms. Ryan's novel starts at the beginning, the very beginning, where God's lesser-known son Lucifer finds himself falling for one of God's newest creations, Eve. This puts a new twist on temptation, sin, and the original fall.Lucifer is not a red devil with a pitchfork, but a kinder, gentler soul who finds himself falling for the sunny Eve. His desire is for Eve to wake up from her stupor and realize Adam is not man enough for her, that she could do better. Unfortunately, his plan runs avow of God's original intentions and he ends up cast from heaven with his minions.Those familiar with John Milton's Paradise Lost will recognize this part of the tale, but it takes on more of a paranormal path than mythical. Lucifer turns out to be the first vampire. This allows him to live forever, but what is the use of living forever if he is denied both Heaven, his home, and love.Lucifer is constantly searching for the elusive love he once experienced, only to be disappointed. Janine, a tortured artist who paints her horrific nightmares, wants a man who can love and understand her. The multiple dilemmas in the book keep the pages turning and the mind wondering.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.