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Review: Raphael’s Redemption – CJ Dragon

Raphael's Redemption - C.J. Dragon - Archangel

Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance

LGBTQ+ Category: Gay

Reviewer: Maryann

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About The Book

From Captive to Consort and Chosen.

Lord Teo’s love holds Raphael Lewis of the Mars Colony firmly, giving him everything he’s ever wanted – love, commitment, fidelity.

Agreeing to convince the inhabitants of Ta’Kun to accept a compromise from the Chi’NoSa, Raphael is ready to do what he must to heal Ta’Kun, save the Ta’kunisi from destruction, and Lord Teo from disgrace.

He did not know he would be repudiated, left defenseless and alone, only to be betrayed for being who he is and what he can give.

Raphael’s life is held in the balance between love and loss.

Will Teo save Raphael, or will their love become a sacrifice to the Chi’NoSa?

Please note: On page violence and sexual situations. This is an ongoing series focused on one couple. You need to read Raphael’s Rescue to be in the know!

The Review

I highly suggest reading Raphael’s Rescue, the first novel in the “Archangel” series by C.J. Dragon, before Raphael’s Redemption.

Raphael is still aboard Lord Teo’s ship, but their growing feelings have turned into love. Teo is still has the innate anger that has always dominated him, but he has sworn to Raphael never to hurt him again. Now Raphael has become his Advisor/Consort and is Teo’s Chosen.

Returning to Chi’NoSa Prime, there is a mission that needs to be accomplished. The Ta’Kun planet is under scrutiny and could very well be destroyed, along with Ta’kunisi. With Raphael’s gifts and understanding, he advises Teo on compromises that could work and also be accepted by the other Lords of Chi’NoSa. If all is successful, Teo is willing to let Raphael visit his Mars Colony home.

But good things don’t last forever. Teo feels like he’s changing, and he doesn’t like it. Of course, he claims it is not Raphael’s fault, but he doesn’t like the “human behavior” that goes against the Chi’NoSa rules.

Raphael is devastated, but there’s nothing he can do about it.

Receiving help from The Lady and knowing how the Ta’Kun planet feels, Raphael journeys with Lord Teo in the Golden Flacon to Ta’Kun. They meet with Bardel of Ta’Kun, and explain the Chi’NoSa compromise that could very well save the planet. Bardel agrees to the compromise.

There is still trouble afoot. Darsan of Ta’kunisi is a nationalist with a small group of followers who do not agree with Chi’NoSa ways. A meeting is agreed to with Darsan, Lord Teo and Raphaelm but all does not go well. The situation will get worse for Teo, as he will find himself facing betrayal and loss.

Once again, Dragon dives deep into a group characters who are very different from one another. Raphael continues to be charming, loving, understanding, forgiving, and always thankful to others around him. It’s not that he makes others change, but others want to change when they are with him.

Teo, on the other hand, struggles with change – it makes him feel weak. He doesn’t see that change is going to happen, no matter how much he resists it. At certain points, I think the reality of it hits him with Dasa, Elon, Lado and even with the Chi’NoSa inhabitants.

Another, well-written, entertaining entry in the “Archangel” series, Raphael’s Redemption has unpredictable moments and carries the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Raphael and Lord Teo will be back soon with Raphael’s Return, the third installment of the “Archangel” series.

The Reviewer

Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California.  Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018.  My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen.  New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.

I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.

My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012.  She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series.  Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book! 

As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.

My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing.  I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.

I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews.  One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group.  Joining her site was such an eye opener.  I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.

But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.