Wormwood by D.H. Nevins

I’m truly happy I read this book because it’s completely out of my comfort zone.  Normally I don’t like books that are post-apocalyptic because let’s face it, it’s all about doom and gloom.  Real life provides enough of that which doesn’t make me want to read about it as well.  But I was enticed through Laura Thomas and her blog (http://fuonlyknew.wordpress.com/)…I couldn’t resist.

This book is well written and incredibly descriptive.  I felt as though I was in this world created by D.H. Nevins.  It’s a dark and scary place with perhaps, redemption in the distant future?  I did have a couple of issues with the book.  First, it was hard for me to truly believe there was a strong romantic pull between Kali and Tiamat.  When Tiamat is sent to destroy earth (I’m talking about annihilation!) and robs Kali of her father, I couldn’t feel the angst that should have brought me to tears once she came to that realization.  Instead there was a little push and pull between them and POOF; she’s in-love with him.  Really??  The other issue I had was, a few of the chapters were slow-moving but once it did pick-up, I couldn’t put the book down.

There were moments I was frightened and horrified but I became entangled in Kali’s world wanting to know what would happen next.  A few interesting characters that were absolutely scary were Richard and Merodach.  I could only assume Richard to be the devil but I’m not entirely certain and Merodach is just a power-hungry half-breed with a mean streak.  When I think Angels, I think some are good and bad but in this book, it didn’t leave me with too much hope that they’re even good at all.  Maybe because they’re half human?  While Tiamat and Nathaniel seem to possess some of that goodness we believe Angels to have, I still think it’s questionable.

When Tiamat gives himself up willingly and they shave his wings, I cried!  I felt as though I was watching the execution and I was devastated.  It was gruesome and heartbreaking.  GAH!!!  Why?? My little heart can only take so much!!  But Tiamat returns later on?  I’m a little confused on that bit because I’m not able to figure out if Kali is dead or he was given a 2^nd chance?  Maybe that’s part of the cliff-hanger?  But the part that hit me right between the eyes was the revelation about Kali’s relationship with Richard!!

Once I was done with the book I was consumed by feelings of melancholy and was drained emotionally.  This book is seriously intense and I’m glad I took the risk!  

Looking forward to the sequel!