Angels & Man by Rafael Nicolás is a haunting and tragic queer fantasy that pulls readers into the shattered remains of Heaven following Satan’s fall. Unlike its predecessor, Angels Before Man, which carried a sense of hope that slowly spirals into despair, Angels & Man begins with a broken world, where Heaven is a ruin, its residents fractured and lost. The story is set in a place of violence and grief, and from the very first pages, you are plunged into the aftermath of the heavenly war. The characters, particularly Azazel and Samyaza, are not heroes—far from it. They are deeply flawed, complex, and often make the wrong decisions, but it’s this complexity that makes them so gripping. The contemplative tone and dark atmosphere of the story linger long after reading, offering no easy answers but making you question everything.

The pacing of Angels & Man is unconventional, with long, philosophical passages about God’s cruelty, selfishness, and jealousy. These ramblings, though bleak and intense, provide crucial insight into the characters’ motivations and the shattered world they inhabit. The prose is difficult at times, but this only adds to the weight of the book. It's not a fun or easy read, but it’s undeniably powerful. The focus is on the aftermath of the rebellion, and the emotions of the fallen angels are raw and real. Lucifer, as always, remains the fierce diva we know and love, but he is a tragic figure, much like Michael, who is forced to reckon with his actions and his role in this broken reality.

While the book is undeniably dark, there are moments of tragic beauty, especially when it comes to the romantic relationships that form amid the chaos. Azazel and Samyaza's evolving relationship is one of the central emotional arcs of the story, and though it’s often painful, their love is undeniably profound. The love they share with humans further explores the theme of longing and redemption, though it’s clear that these connections come with dire consequences. There is no happy ending here, and the conclusion is both horrifying and heartbreaking, leaving readers with a deep sense of loss and lingering discomfort.

What I truly appreciated, as with Angels Before Man, is the beautiful diversity of the angel characters. Their stories are messy, and they are not always likable, but they are always compelling. The vivid descriptions of Heaven and its fallen inhabitants create a world so rich and detailed, you can feel the weight of their suffering. Angels & Man isn’t for everyone—it’s a tough, emotional experience that can be overwhelming at times—but for those who are willing to take the journey, it’s a story that stays with you, long after the final page. This is a tragedy in every sense of the word, but it’s one that’s worth experiencing for its depth and complexity.

5/5 ⭐