A nerdy nobody is heaven’s newest hero. It’s too bad that the devil fights dirty…
Chris Loury is penniless and painfully geeky. So when the struggling illustrator makes a wish that grants him supernatural visions, the lines start to blur between his comics and reality. After he crosses paths with a protector who calls himself an angel, Chris must decide if being a hero is worth the danger.
When his newfound confidence helps him connect with the girl-next-door, he hopes he can balance a relationship and a superhuman secret. But after a devilishly gorgeous woman with money and an ulterior motive tempts him with career success and fame, he puts his crush, his town, and his life in jeopardy.
Will Chris fulfill his destiny and save the city from destruction?
Paranormia is an enthralling urban fantasy adventure. If you like underdog heroes, supernatural battles, and a dash of humor, then you’ll love Paul Regnier’s action-packed novel.
Buy Paranormia to join the battle between heaven and hell today!
Why This Book:
I had heard positive things about this writer and wanted to give him a try. Plus the premise intrigued me.
First Impressions:
Prior to purchasing, I listened to the audible sample for this story and it caught my interest. It seemed quirky, suspenseful, and fun. However, I have to say that after that first scene things slowed a bit for me. It took me a few chapters to really get hooked into this story.
Main Characters:
Chris Loury is a somewhat clueless, cynical, starving artist who shares a rundown apartment with fellow starving artist, Steve. The two of them live down the hall from kind-hearted Amber who dedicates most of her life to the local community “soup kitchen.” These are the characters you’ll want to root for…and sometimes shake sense into.
Emotional Engagement & Pacing of the Story:
The initial scene is great, but there was a bit of a slow-down for me as the author got the story foundation laid in the first few chapters. After that, though, the pace picked up and by about halfway I didn’t want to put the book down. While I didn’t quite get teary, I did feel sad for characters at certain times and I definitely laughed out loud enough for my husband to ask what I was laughing over. The thing that kept me reading through the slower beginning was the unique premise (I had to see how this played out) and the engaging main character. He was just different and quirky and humble enough that I wanted to see how he made it through.
Elements I Especially Liked/Disliked:
The humor absolutely makes this story. If you lived through the 80s, you’ll especially appreciate some of the humorous references involving the character, Finchelus. I can’t say more about him without giving away spoilers, but trust me, the guy is hilarious. I also enjoyed that at no point did I have a clue what would happen next. Nearly every event seemed to make sense within the context of the story and still managed to feel unpredictable. It was like being taken on a fun kiddie coaster with a blindfold on –nothing terrifying, but fun and surprising the whole way through.
FAITH ELEMENT:
This story is all about the faith element. It’s in your face and subtle at the same time. It’s difficult to explain, but with a character like Finchelus, you can’t really expect not to get a sermon…and yet it never felt like the reader was being preached to. It was the character, Chris, being sermonized, and boy did he need it. Plus the sermons were always kept brief and delivered in a manner of dialogue that felt completely organic to story and exactly what Finchelus would say. It’s this strong faith element combined with real-world problems that gives the reader plenty to chew on well after the story ends.
ENDING:
The ending of this story is everything it needs to be. It ties things up nicely and leaves the reader smiling.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:
If you’re looking for a humorous read that’s unlike anything you’ve ever read before and will keep you guessing what comes next, this is the book for you. P.S. If you’re wondering about the romance element, don’t worry, it’s there. It’s sweet and strong enough to satisfy this avid romance reader, but it definitely takes a back seat to the main plot of this adventurous story.
Overall Rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
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Have you read any of Paul Regnier’s books? I don’t normally read books with angels and demons but made an exception for this one because of its quirky humor. How do you feel about angels and demons in your stories? What fantasy fiction novels have you enjoyed?
Let me know in the comments below!
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Note: I purchased my own copy of this book and was under no obligation to review it at all. You may read my full disclosure of materials HERE.
