Kindle Edition Download to your Nook (eBook) Amazon Amazon Category:  Fantasy Publisher: WheelManPress ISBN-10:  0988742373 Type: Fiction Pages: 253 Copyright: Jan 18, 2013 ISBN-13: 9780988742376 Price: $0.99 (eBook) The mysterious planet Crux suffers silently with a terrible ancient curse. Holy entities and scheming lords of Hell manipulate their children like pawns in an agonizingly long game of chess, while the first Cherub Innanna, creator of the realm and savior of the Nephalem, is shackled inside a pocket dimension in eternal exile. Meanwhile a savior – the mysterious Nilithar - is summoned to Crux. The events to follow haven’t caught only the attention of the Cruxians, but the Angellove Society’s as well. The fabled group investigates the ancient prophecy through Thomas and Andrew, a powerful half-vampire and a mage of unthinkable potential, who travel across galaxies to find the girl. Forces beyond imagination will clash in an epic battle of Light versus Darkness, as Crux changes not only its landscape, but its inhabitants as well, and the strangest and most unlikely of heroes will rise and stand against complete annihilation. At the crossroads of time and space, the mysterious planet Crux suffers silently with a terrible ancient curse; its inhabitants, descendants of angels and demons, are caught in an endless war that seems to have reached its peak. Holy entities and scheming lords of Hell manipulate their children like pawns in an agonizingly long game of chess, while the first Cherub Inanna, creator of the realm and savior of the Nephalem, is shackled inside a pocket dimension in eternal exile. As a new sun is born, and the celestial alignment becomes favorable yet again, a savior –the mysterious Nilithar - is summoned to Crux. Kara opens her eyes to awaken into a vivid dream and will be forced to accept that she is far more special than she ever thought. With the help of a half-demon warrior, the human girl will face many dangers and puzzles in her divine mission to free Inanna, yet she will realize her companion, brave and loyal Maar, is as dependable as he is strong. The events to follow haven’t caught only the attention of the Cruxians, but the Angellove Society’s as well. The fabled group investigates the ancient prophecy through Thomas and Andrew, a powerful half-vampire and a mage of unthinkable potential, who travel across galaxies to find the girl. The ones that stay behind, watching over their mortal shells on Earth, are no less busy – millennia-old Octavius and Rene must guard Kara and their two friends, while Alexis, Victoria and the ghoul Dominic, will have to fight their own battles. Inanna must escape and the Nephalem minds freed; forces beyond imagination will clash in an epic battle of Light versus Darkness, as Crux changes not only its landscape, but its inhabitants as well, and the strangest and most unlikely of heroes will rise and stand against complete annihilation.       Excerpt Part I: Initiation ~Brave New World~ Kara fell hard and fast, like a comet ripping through the atmosphere. Unlike such a celestial body though, she didn’t even get a scratch as she hit the surface of the planet she was headed for. In fact, it was like she didn’t fall at all, but was shot out of the ground itself and then landed flat on her face. At least, that’s how she felt. “What the f…?” she grumbled, closing her fingers around handfuls of golden dust and trying to make something out of the blurry images revealed in front of her eyes. As her vision cleared, Kara became convinced she was dreaming – the world before her was not Earth, if a world at all, but something completely surreal. She managed to push herself to her knees and groaned silently as every muscle in her body was strained with pain. “My feet are killing me…” the rookie moaned and offered her a tired smile."How do you do it?” “You’ll get the hang of it,” she said and rubbed her colleague’s shoulders reassuringly. “It’s Tony you have to worry about.” “Is that why you’re leaving, Kara?” “I dropped out of school, my cheating boyfriend dumped me, and my future holds a bright career in serving coffee. I’m going home – going to try and put my life and myself together.” “You know what you should do? You should take a trip! Discover yourself and clear your head!” the young redhead said excitedly. Kara smiled: “That’s actually not a bad idea. I’ll do that.” She rubbed her forehead as the flashes made her dizzy. “That’s odd,” she caught herself speaking out loud. “If this is a dream, I shouldn’t feel this sore…” Her eyes widened as she looked up towards a glowing sky. “Oh my…!” Kara muttered as the space above her resembled a melted sun, reaching in all directions and down to a foggy horizon outlining the emptiness of the golden desert. “What the hell happened?” she asked herself just as she regained some composure, but immediately became shaken with pain, as if bolts of lightning struck her from her lower spine and up to the brain. Kara screamed until there was no air left in her lungs; it took forever to get used to that searing agony and even longer until it disappeared. “Yes, mom, I’ll be careful. Yes. I will call you twice a day, I promise! For crying out loud, mom, it’s the Grand Canyon, not a warzone! …Ok, I love you too!” She swallowed air like it was her only purpose and then made the mistake of trying to remember again. The pain hit her twice as hard, almost throwing her back. She lied in the dusty golden ocean and just took it this time, her mind already realizing that whatever happened to her, could not be learned by trying to recall past events without burning away her own cerebral cortex. So Kara just relaxed and tried to accept the reality around her; soon, all her agony turned to a state of inner peace like she had never felt before, fact which confused her even more. She walked away from the motel, drawn like a moth to a flame. She walked for an hour, in the middle of the deserted wastes, with only crickets keeping her company. The vibration she felt inside her chest was like a siren’s song, pulling her with magnetic energy towards… where? As the girl’s body sank deep into the sand, she became aware that it wasn’t sand she lay stretched on, but some kind of transparent smooth crystals, the golden glow being in fact a reflection of the sky above (just like seas seem blue to the human eye). Furthermore, their touch was so soothing that Kara surrendered to the exhaustion of her body and the newly found tranquility of this emptiness. Sleep seemed to conquer Kara’s barely vigil mind, but she discovered she had, in fact, slipped into a different state of awareness. She could not move, try as she might, for her body was now almost completely covered with that sand, and felt like it was resting, while her mind was more awake than ever. At first she panicked, trying desperately to break free, but that feeling of peace overwhelmed her again and she relaxed. That same moment, Kara could feel the sand around her contract itself, like a cocoon, enveloping everything but her face, just enough to keep her from sinking completely. Finally, she fell asleep. The light burned out, sky turning to shades of violet and dark blue, swirling and mixing with each other, while the girl, an alien to this world, dreamt of history, biology and physics. These however were not of human origin and most of them seemed like total rubbish, yet as the information entered her mind, Kara knew that these were this world’s rules and laws. She felt that somehow she was being prepared for some amazing events yet to come. “You will remember these matters when the time is right,” the voice coming from nowhere and everywhere said. “I trust in you.” ~Awakening~ “Wake up, Maar,” an echoed voice whispered through the large celestial chamber. “Wake up and prepare yourself, for the Hour of the Nilithar has come.” The darkness became illuminated for just a moment, while one bright star on the spherical ceiling shone directly down over the seemingly floating garden. The oasis of life was the only thing there, except for the vast black space overwhelmed with galaxies that could be seen on the ‘walls’ of the room. It was filled with flowers so bright and colored, that the contrast with the dark emptiness around it was breathtaking. The young man woke up to the whispers and slowly rose to his feet. The exotic scents assaulted his senses, so sweet and intense that they could be felt on the tongue, while the chaotic bright colors of the flora nearby played tricks on his numbed eye sight. He lost track of time, of how long he had been sleeping in Rhodima, and took him long moments to remember exactly who he was and how he got there. What to him seemed like hours were, in fact, eons, if one was to measure his rest in mortal time units. “Palisera?” he finally asked, as he rubbed his glowing electrical eyes. With each stroke, blue swirls of mist seemed to rise and dissipate from his blurry gaze. He stretched his muscular tattooed arms and looked up at the bright star. “Nilithar?” “Yes, Wanderer” the voice replied,” it has finally aligned. You must make haste and retrieve the human.” “Give me a moment,” Maar said, turning to face the female voice. “I have the feeling that many alignments came and passed while I slumbered.” Through his eyes, the female shape came closer as floating white smoke, clad in her snowy robe. It seemed to be made entirely of snow flakes, but semi-transparent, and made Palisera’s forms be outlined quite well. The young man found her truly fascinating, not just for being a creature of such beauty, but also an immortal, much like himself, whose only purpose was to stand at the crossroads of time and space, and foretell the things to come. She never left Rhodima, her chamber and prison, and took no sides, answering any and all who would ask for her advice. But just like any other science on Crux, her predictions were purely mathematical and involved newly-born events. In other words, she spoke of reactions, effects, or in this case, of a human visitor. Palisera would answer all questions except those involving her origin and purpose; nobody knew why she resided in that garden, how she got there or even exactly what she was, as well as why she wore a strap of white cloth over her eyes. Maar took a step closer and leaned towards her face, his white cheek brushing against a strand of her hair. If Maar could remember earthly seasons, he could tell it looked and smelled like autumn, being of many shades of brown, gold and rusty red, with highlights of black and white, and it was full and rich, like a lion’s mane. The young man took in her scent before whispering in her ear: “How long?” “Three suns have been born and five more have died since you left your material shell behind,” her neutral voice replied and the outlined leaves in her hair shimmered. “The Calendar is yet anew and your search may once again begin.” She spoke softly and he felt a hint of sorrow in her tone; a sort of pity for his chosen mission – one that seemed hopeless and everlasting. At least that’s what he thought he was hearing. “What of my brethren?” the Nephalem asked, pulling back and stretching his neck. “As I said, half-demon, you must prepare. Both progeny of the Fallen and High will start their search for the Nilithar… You will most likely face them in battle,” she answered and reached her hand to his pale cheek. “…It disturbs you…” He pulled away and picked up his massive black bone bow and quiver, strapping them on, then pulled tight on the leather straps of his vest, gloves and boots, as Palisera watched him from behind her blindfold. For a moment, the Nephalem warrior thought she found him as fascinating as he did her, but he scolded himself for such folly – she was far beyond any hybrid as him. Yet she continued, as he was examining his long daggers: “It is very odd, Wanderer. You’ve cast aside any connection with either of them, yet you feel for both as much as you deny any allegiance. Why is that?” “It is not sorrow that I feel – you know that,” he finally spoke in a hoarse voice. “Does it matter? I’ve chosen the path of the damned, it seems,” Maar growled in frustration. “We should defy those monsters, not justify their war by killing each other! I remain an outcast until this prophecy is fulfilled. I intend to finish it this time or…” he trailed off, unwilling to finish that sentence. She watched him intently, tilting her head slightly to the side while seemingly processing this information. When he stood again she continued: “That is a righteous belief, Wanderer. And being so, my curiosity is related to your fighting the Fallen. Why-“ “They must be stopped” he interrupted. “Like it or not, they are the only family I have and, for their own good, I will do what I must,” the Nephalem answered and turned to walk out of the floating oasis. The verdant ferns and thick bushes around appeared to lean his way, as he moved on the cobbled pathways, bowing to him and his righteous mission. Many times before they had done the same, as he set off to free an entity of incomprehensible might that could bring order back to his home world. Maar moved with determination, confidence building up with each step and each flashback that restored his basic memory. His scarred muscles tensed, recalling the previous battles and failed attempts to protect the Nilithar. They lied. The angels, demons, all of them would be better off dead, he decided. This world belonged to the Nephalem, Fallen or High, and none of their fathers and mothers should have interfered with the natural order of things. Now he was the only one who could see the truth, the only one who could show them how things truly were, by aiding the one they called the Destroyer. Innanna, mother of this world, will return, he swore to himself and raised his gaze to the sky. “I will prepare the way for you” said Palisera, hovering weightless in front of him. “I know you can’t tell me this but… will my chances be any better this time?” the warrior asked and felt his fists grip the air tightly. She paused and seemed to think for a few moments. In that alabaster face he could read nothing, for she was incapable of showing emotion, while even her voice was completely neutral. Finally she nodded at him slightly and spoke: “If I could encourage you, I would. I have watched over you for times immemorial and stood with you in the darkest of hours, yet it is not my place to aid anyone, no matter how worthy they may be. Yet take heart, Maar: what I can tell you is that this time it will be different. There will be others who may or may not stand with you, but who will certainly influence your quest. It will be your choice to trust them or not.” “That is very vague, even for you, Oracle. But I am thankful and I too would show it if I could.” “There is no need for such things, nor would I ask them from you, half – demon. But before you leave, I will offer one last advice. Trust those who show you trust – you will meet them soon and they may be of great help to you.” “Not big on trust…” he added smirking a little, but agreed with a nod. “Be well, Palisera!” The woman stood there, turning slowly to watch him march to the edge of the floating garden and leap into the darkness beyond. In her countless eons of watching over time and space, none of the Nephalem, the High, the Fallen or any inhabitant entity of Crux who came for her wisdom have ever shown as much consideration for life as the one they called the Wanderer. Maar, spawned from a demon and a human, was a freak to his own people, a disturbing aberration. …A wonderful accident she thought, and, possibly for the first time in an eternity, the beautiful Palisera, forever emotionless and still, smiled with her perfect pink lips: “Good luck.”

All fantasy fans out there! A must-read!
When talking about a book, any book, that has left the reader with a good impression, words and phrases like "fast paced action" "thrilling" "exciting" "suspenseful" "engaging" "a fascinating read" are heard very often. I will refrain from using any of those words regarding my experience with Crux, lest I fall into cliche: the book has it all, and those who have read it before me have already given it its deserved praise, using those exact descriptors. I don't ask you to take my word for it; I ask you to buy the book, read it, and see for yourselves! And I ask for your patience, as this review will not be a short blurb about a book I enjoyed, but rather a rendition of how this book reached out to me from beyond the story and made me think and see things in a manner that perhaps the author didn't even intend.

Far from being your run-of-the-mill Good vs. Evil scheme, The Angellove Society: Crux brings together the most unlikely of companions, to aid the most unlikely of champions - a frail mortal girl from the United States release the First of the Cherubs from her arcane pan-dimensional prison...on an alien planet! The author manages to expertly avoid stereotypes and overkill while putting together a literary mash-up of epic proportions that will make your mind spin: in one single book, we are introduced to a very wide array of mythical beings that have haunted our imaginations ever since man first drew crude paintings on a cave wall: angels, demons, their half-human progeny, shape shifters, vampires, were-beasts (what? you thought the wereWOLF was the only were-creature out there? Ha! Think again!), elementals, spirits, and even cyborg-like aliens! If you can imagine it, Crux has it!

I will avoid going too much into plot details - I would hate to take away from your pleasure of finding out by yourself just how intricate of a supernatural web Serban Andrei Mazilu weaves in his book, but I will tell you this: beyond being a great fantasy read, sprinkled generously with action, humor (more or less dark, which makes it even more delicious!) and a plot full of unexpected twists and turns, what The Angellove Society - Crux has done for me is that it has introduced me to a group of characters that I have traveled with, fought alongside, and ended up, 315 pages later, being friends with. And those friends have shown me, through their actions, the value of courage, and of standing up for what one believes in. They have taught me the worth and weight of choice, and the inestimable power of free will - as well as the responsibility it comes with. And last, but not least, I've learned the importance of self-control, and keeping one's own inner demons at bay - from one particular character I've grown quite fond of. I will let you figure out which one by reading the book!

This book will become a classic!
I don't generally like fantasy stories, but this one grabbed me from the get go and had me hooked early. I devoured the story and wanted more at the end. Andrei Mazilu is a craftsman of this trade, he makes his words come alive and gets the reader involved. I would recommend this book to anyone. If there was six stars, I would have given this book ten!

Amazing book!
Full of intrigue, fantasy, and sci-Fi! Hard to force myself to put the book down. Amazing start to what will probably be a great series!