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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Enemy of Heaven by Reni Stankova is an emotionally charged LGBTQ fantasy where we're with Raphael, a disillusioned angel prince numbing his frustrations with drugs and distraction. When he saves Dante, a young demon from the capital’s ghetto, from an unjust execution, their fates become intertwined. Together, they expose the dark secrets of the angel elite, risking their lives and reputations. As their partnership evolves into something deeper, the novel explores themes of power, rebellion, and forbidden love. With richly drawn characters and a high-stakes plot, this is a powerful tale of defiance and desire.
Author Reni Stankova has a vivid imagination that works perfectly for the fantasy genre, and the world-building gives a fresh twist on angelic and demonic lore with a compelling political element, too. I love an LGBTQ+ book where the characters' queerness is automatically accepted, and as such, the chemistry between Raphael and Dante brings a tenderness and tension to the narrative as we see their bond grow and root for them even more as a unit. This goes hand in hand with the novel’s exploration of class struggle and injustice, which feels highly relevant and shines a mirror from Stankova's fantasy world back into our own difficult times. Through the emotional complexity of these characters, we can look at our own approach to power and rebellion in new ways and feel both entertained and inspired. Overall, The Enemy of Heaven is a highly recommended read for both LGBTQ+ romance enthusiasts and fantasy fans.
