The Day the Angels Fell

Shawn Smucker is the voice that has been missing in Young Adult fiction! The Day The Angels Fell wades through life, loss, and how we handle the tension of both. I love that these topics are addressed for younger readers because so often grief is an oft-avoided subject, but how will they be prepared for when lose inevitably comes?
Smucker is a skilled writer, building colorful scenes, believable characters, and an all around great narrative. Sam, Abra, and the rest of the cast of characters are ones I did not want to close the cover on.
I would recommend this book for fans of Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane or Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga. A great book for parents to read to their children—everyone will be enthralled!

A few years ago, I encountered Shawn Smucker's writing via the late, great Burnside Writers Collective website. In addition to Burnside, his work has been featured as part of several different projects, but "The Day the Angels Fell" is his first novel. It tells the story of 12-year-old friends Sam and Abra, who react to Sam's mother's tragic death by embarking on a quest to bring her back to life by any means necessary. Unbelievably, the means to do so present themselves in short order, and the quest is on. These two friends make deals with angels, figure out a mystery or two, and fight heroically, all while battling grief and fear, and coming to some hard but necessary conclusions about the important role that death plays in our world.

This book contains all the elements I love in a work of fiction:
(1) an original story that not only holds my interest but grips me;
(2) multiple distinct characters with understandable and realistic motivations;
(3) just enough familiarity to remind you of other authors (Billy Coffey and Stephen King come to mind) without actually copying any of them;
(4) a satisfying ending with no copouts;
(5) a story that has depth and a meaningful message without being preachy.

I'm glad to say that "The Day the Angels Fell" hits a home run with all 5 of these. I truly hated to see this book end, but the good news is that the ending left open the door for more stories featuring many of the same characters. If someone were to take a stab at making this into a movie, I can't say I'd be surprised.

I've known for years that Smucker is a talented writer; "The Day the Angels Fell" demonstrates that he's a skilled storyteller, as well.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes.

This book is a really beautiful mix of realistic fiction and legend/myth. The book asks the question, is it possible that death is a gift? That's the question that the young protagonist, Sam, wrestles with after his mother dies. I don't know what it feels like to lose a parent, but I have lost others close to me, and Sam's struggle rings true. How would I respond if I discovered that there might be a way to bring them back?

The way Shawn works in the old story of the Tree of Life from the garden of Eden, and the two angels that were left to guard it, adds so much to the story. Fantasy has always been one of my favorite genres, especially the type of fantasy story that takes place in the real world, and this fits the bill perfectly.

My only quibble is that I've read Shawn's non-fiction, mainly his blog, and THAT is near perfection. I can't love The Day the Angels Fell quite as much as his blog posts, so I can't give it 5 stars, but still, it's absolutely worth reading.

**I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, in return for an honest review**

I loved The Day the Angels Fell, absolutely loved it, and immediately started recommending it to others when I finished! It's YA fiction loosely based on the Genesis/Revelation accounts of The Tree of Life, so I don't think it will appeal to those who don't have basic biblical knowledge or interest of Eden. The story begins in the 1960's where a young boy's mom dies in a tragic accident. The boy is given the chance by two mysterious (and opposing) figures to find the Tree of Life, which would enable his mother to come back to life. The story is quick and fast-paced, and ends in such a way that we are guaranteed an exciting sequel to come. Shawn Smucker is an author I will eagerly read in the future if his books continue to be this good!

Samuel Chambers is an elderly man getting ready to attend the funeral of his best childhood friend. He lives alone in the farmhouse he grew up in and has a story to tell. A story about how, after losing his mother in a thunder storm as a young boy, he grappled with whether or not death is a gift. It’s a tale of right, wrong, good, evil, temptation, loss, grief, healing, and adventure. His story, which takes on earth but things are not as they appear, is one about discernment and learning when to hold on and when to let go. Who should Samuel trust and whom should he be cautious of? This is a tale about young Samuel’s quest to find the tree of life and the adventures that he encountered along the way.

If you love a good book...the kind of book you pick up to read and end up being swept away and transported to another time and place, and totally forget about your surroundings...then this book is for you. Shawn Smucker is a born storyteller who knows how to weave words into a captivating tale. One that draws the reader in refusing to let them escape until it is through. Even then, the spell of the story doesn’t fully dissipate, the reader is left thirsty for more — longing for the sequel. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages!

Death is a gift. That's the theory Smucker explores in his debut novel and he does it well. The story centers on Sam, a young boy who has recently lost his mother, and his desire to bring her back. Along with his friend Abra, the two of them battle supernatural forces to try and find the Tree of Life in order to make Sam's wishes reality. I'll be honest and tell you I was a bit hesitant to continue when I got into the story because I recently lost my father unexpectedly. I pressed on, though, and am glad I did because Shawn very powerfully and skillfully explored these themes of life and death via a story that was both exciting, touching and down right scary at times! There were scenes that reminded me of my first time reading Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness." If you enjoy thoughtful storytelling and can handle some supernatural situations, definitely checkout "The Day the Angels Fell."

A great read for anyone, boys especially. This book was so layered and well-written. It surprised me from the first two chapters and left me turning the pages until the very end. Then it left me hanging with a first look at the next book.

Well done, Shawn Smucker! This being your first novel speaks volumes about your skill with a pen. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.

For a book that's ultimately about death, The Day the Angels Fell teems with hope. Through the eyes of a twelve-year-old, Smucker capably captures the difficulties of dealing with death, but never gets heavy-handed about it. Sam (the main protagonist) wrestles with his grief as he wrestles the good and evil that have suddenly appeared in his life while also trying to answer the question, "If I had the power to bring my mom back from the dead, would I?" It's both allegory and not, which makes for an interesting amalgam of fantasy and reality.

I thought the main conceit of the book—which I won't give away here—was fascinating. I also think that older children or younger teens will especially appreciate the book.

This book was both beautiful and adventurous. I loved how he switched between the point of view of the boy and the old man. It's perfect for adults and kids alike with moments to be enjoyed by both. It tugs at the heartstrings while also encouraging the reader to use their imagination like never before. I gave it 4.5 stars and am a big fan of Smucker's writing. 

I neglected all things for an entire day because I was so drawn into this story. I regret nothing. The Day the Angels Fell was worth it. I look forward to sharing this book with my kids in the next year or so. It is beautifully written with vivid imagery. I am eager for Smucker's next novel.

I can't recommend this book enough.

This book was amazing. I was hooked immediately by the mysterious start and never lost the feeling. I can't wait to read Shawn Smucker's new book when it's released. The writing was descriptive yet concise. The characters were fantastic and the plot was original. While this book is aimed at teenagers, I think adults would enjoy it as well. I definitely did.

I just finished reading this book aloud to my almost-10-year-old son, and we both enjoyed it immensely. Let me say, it's no small challenge to write a book that will appeal to kids accustomed to Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the like, but Shawn Smucker has succeeded.

The Day the Angels Fell held my son's attention from start to finish. It was fast-paced and suspenseful, with just enough "creepiness" to keep an elementary school boy intrigued (but not so much that he was downright scared). Although the book clearly offered some important lessons and deep insights, it was done subtly and tactfully, so the reader wasn't left feeling lectured to or hit over the head with moralistic Biblical teaching. The message was there, but it was subtle, leaving plenty of room for conversation about some of the book's themes (such as good versus evil and death as a gift) after we were done reading for the night. The characters were accessible and relatable, the dialogue was realistic and the plot was full of twists and turns that kept us turning the pages past bedtime. When we finished a chapter and it was time for lights out, my son inevitably begged for "just a few more pages." Now that's the sign of a great book.

Lyrical and poetic. Like several other reviewers, I found the format confusing, but the story itself was intriguing. I love stories that take concepts we're familiar with and use them in unexpected ways - in this case, the Tree of Life.

I received an ARC which did not affect my review in any way.

Most books today are entertaining; few are a work of art. This one is both. I was captivated from the very beginning by depth of characters, a plot that left me holding my breath, and questions about the nature of life and death that haven't left me. It was one of those works of art you can't wait to finish but then want to go back and savor again. I can't wait to go back and read it aloud to my kids and see what discussions come out of this deeply insightful and moving book.

I really enjoyed this story. If I had children, I would definitely recommend this book for them, as well as for anyone who enjoyed C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle growing up. I think that children and teens especially will really appreciate this story and the questions it raises.

I bought the book after hearing the author on the Jennifer Fulwiler show on Catholic Radio. The theme was compelling since my mother died when I was 18. I enjoyed the book. The theme was well-developed and the conflict played out well. I only marked it down one star because I thought the ending played out a bit too predictably. I enjoyed the characters and will be thinking about this book for awhile.

I started Shawn's book with my elementary aged children and we've read it chapter by chapter in the evenings. At the end of each chapter, they beg me to "keep reading...please!" This book has been a lovely companion on a journey of grief (after a loss in our family) and it has opened up deeply theological conversations between my kids and me about death, God, love, and grief. A highly recommended read for the whole family.

My friend Shawn is an incredible story teller, and his first published novel is no exception. A story of life and death, darkness and light; this book belongs on your must-read list for 2015. It's not often that I meet a book which will appeal equally to children and to their parents. It's not often I read a book written in our current century and immediately demand to read all the sequels and prequels. If you don't purchase this book, the hope of those ever being published lies in jeopardy. So I beg you, buy this beautiful book. Shawn and I, along with your future self, thank you in advance.

Loved this book. So imaginative and unique. Great storyline. Well written. I have two small children and very little time to myself and I went through this book in a few days- couldn't wait to pick it up again. Can't wait for the next one!

Somehow Shawn transports you into the world | soul of each character. You find yourself in each person, a sentence, a description, a thought, you're in there somewhere. And maybe it's because his writing is so human. And what makes us human is our ability to die. To see that death can be something to journey alongside, not shun to the side. Share this book with your children!

Well done Shawn Smucker!! Love your writing style in both non-fiction and in this fiction book "The Day The Angels Fell" Looking forward to seeing more of your fiction novels in the future. Keep on shining and writing well, my friend!!

Shawn Smucker has a way of drawing yourself into the main character Sam, in "The Day the Angels Fell". It's easy to relate as Sam has to make many choices that he feels conflicted and torn between. As the reader, you're feeling the strong grip of the darkness, but hear the voice of the light. As I was drawn into reading page after page, I earnestly hoped that Sam and myself, would make the right choice. I eagerly await the sequel.

I purchased this book through Kickstarter and am very pleased that it was publshed and hope that it gets noticed and read by many people. It is well-written, well-imagined and was throughly enjoyable! I believe my adult children as well as my grandchildren will all love this story as much as I did!

Samuel Chambers is an old man, preparing to attend the funeral of his last friend. He lives alone in the farmhouse he grew up in. He has a story to tell, a story about the time when he was 10, when his mother died from a lightning strike in an old oak tree in the yard. It’s a story about what happened when his mother died, how he learned about the tree of life, and how he believed it might bring his mother back to life.

It’s the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden, and it is somewhere to be found in a valley in central Pennsylvania where Sam lives. His best friend Abra Miller lives not far away, just down the road at another farm. And she will help him. He has to find the Tree of Life so his mother can be brought back from the dead.

His helped, and hindered, by Mr. Jinn who lives across the road, and by Mr. Tennin who is hired by Sam’s father to help around the farm. They don’t seem to like each other very much. And with good reason: they’ve been fighting each other for thousands of years.

This is Shawn Smucker’s “The Day the Angels Fell,” part Scripture story, part legend, part fantasy, part children’s story, part suspense novel, and possibly even part allegory. It’s not about the temptation of Adam and Eve, when they ate of the Tree of Knowledge; it’s about another, related temptation – the lure of living forever in this life. And a young boy has to face that temptation, for what he believes is the best of reasons.

It’s a marvelous tale, full of vivid characterization, a host of villains and near-villains, a strange shadow animal roaming and seeking to devour, and a boy and his father consumed by grief. Smucker draws the characters of Sam and Abra exactly right, so right, in fact, that the reader easily slips inside their skins. The narrative moves back and forth between Sam as a boy and Sam in old age, underscoring not only the changes that happen in a life but also what stays the same.

Smucker has previously published several works of non-fiction, including an account of his Amish family history and making a life of writing. He’s also co-authored a book about a Pennsylvania family torn apart by a murder.

“The Day the Angels Fell” is his first novel. It’s a winning, engaging story, difficult to put down (which I proved by reading it almost completely straight through) and equally appealing to older children and adults.

The summer that Sam was twelve years old changed him forever. His mother was killed in a terrible accident that left him without knowing how to grieve and a father who didn’t know how to either. But then the strangers showed up. First was Mr. Jinn, a neighbor who he had never seen, comes to his house to discuss what happened and if Sam would do anything to bring her back. Then Mr. Tennin shows up asking Sam’s dad about work and suddenly is living with them. Mr. Tennin tells a very interesting story about the tree of life that dates back to the Garden of Eden and the two cherubim who were put in place to guard the tree. The tree of life has the power to bring someone back to life, but the power should not be used as death is a gift. Sam becomes consumed with bringing his mother back no matter what it cost.

This book was definitely unlike anything I have ever read before. It centers around Sam and is inability to grieve for his mother’s death and how he feels responsible for it. His father is no help to him and he begins to cut himself off from his only friend. This book may be difficult for people who have lost someone close to them to understand that death is a gift to leaving this world and the pain that comes with it. Those that are left still have the pain and it is hard to see through what it will become.

The story bounces between present day elderly Sam and twelve year old Sam. We see that he develops several habits based on the events of this summer; habits that aren’t good to keep. Ultimately, the supernatural story within this book is what really keeps it moving. Bringing the story of the Garden of Eden and intertwining it with present day is a fresh way to look at this aspect. Be sure to grab a copy of this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

I found myself oddly reluctant to move quickly through this book, in part as I was worried where Sam and Abra would be at the end of it, and also due to my own struggles, not quite done yet, with death.

Shawn’s writing is beautiful and full, various passages wanting me to pause longer, to underline and mull over. And, as with Sam, I found myself wondering at times which character could be trusted. A testament to the storyteller, I say.

This is a book aimed at a YA audience, but there is much to be savored and enjoyed by an older audience, too. Looking forward to the sequel!

I loved everything about this story! I especially loved the imagery of light contrasting with dark. This book was hard to put down. I loved how the story switched from past to present and vice versa. I would love to read a sequel to find out more about Abra's adventures after that eventful summer.

Shawn Smucker presents a very compelling look at death. I was immediately drawn into the story. This book is hard to put down.

*I won a copy of this book in a giveaway. All views expressed are my honest opinion.*

I keep recommending this book to people. I've always loved fantasy and The Day the Angels Fell brings me that same feeling of wonder and excitement when I first picked up Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising when I was a kid. Delightfully suspenseful, the story invites magic and the macabre into the very visceral reality of death. Smucker is a fantastic storyteller and I can't wait to read more from him.

This was the book that changed my children's reading habits. After finishing The Day the Angels Fell, they became voracious readers. This book is still my children's favorite, AND (GET THIS), they've read all the The Lord of The Potter Games books.

Really, I cannot recommend this book enough.

I don't know. Everyone seems to love this book. I didn't. Perhaps I could be persuaded to bump it up to a 3, which on my scale means "worth your time". But, if I had it to do over, I wouldn't read it again, so it has to stay at a 2.

It's not always easy to articulate the "why" when a book doesn't resonate. Maybe my expectations were too high from all the positive reviews. Maybe I couldn't identify with the constantly-changing whims of a 12-year old. Perhaps the unexpected fantastical beasts and creatures caught me off guard. Maybe there were too many things left unexplained (just why couldn't Mr. Jinn set foot on Abra's property?). Perhaps because I think the real hero of the story wasn't the protagonist, but his best friend (and, without giving away a spoiler, there were things about their relationship that didn't make sense to me). And finally, it's possible I was annoyed because there were too many places where I thought the characters didn't act like real people would have in similar situations.

I'm obviously in the minority here, so take my review with a grain of salt. But I won't be reading the sequel (which apparently is just as popular).

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I noticed the store and Goodreads have a slightly different meanings to their 5-point scale. I thought it was odd to have a different rating for the same book on two different sites, so I came up with my own scale below. For the record, it is fairly close to the store's scale, but allows me to be consistent between the two sites.

5 - Fantastic. Life-altering. Maybe only 30 in a lifetime.
4 - Very good.
3 - Worth your time.
2 - Not very good.
1 - Atrocious (less)