The Enemy of Heaven

by Reni Stankova

Such a unique and intriguing read! As soon as I read the synopsis, I was immediately hooked, especially as a fan of books like Primal Sin by Ariana Nash. While this one didn’t hit quite the same notes, it offered a refreshing take that I genuinely enjoyed and found hard to put down.

This dual POV M/M romance between Raphael, the third heir to the Kingdom of Heaven, and Dante, a demon with extraordinary gifts, was packed with action, political intrigue, and a powerful rebellion against a corrupt celestial system. I was especially drawn to the concept of a dystopian Heaven set a thousand years after a great war, it felt so original and compelling. The magic system and world-building had so much potential, and I loved the overall aesthetic and themes introduced.

The dynamic between Raphael and Dante was a definite highlight. Their banter brought levity and charm to the story, and Dante's sarcasm was especially fun to read. Their romance had some very sweet moments, and while I wished their emotional arc had a bit more development, their chemistry was still palpable and engaging.

Character-wise, Dante quickly became my favorite. He’s introduced through trauma, and I found his journey from vulnerability to strength compelling, even if a bit uneven at times. Raphael was intriguing as well, and while I hoped for a deeper dive into his background and motivations, I appreciated the glimpses we did get, especially regarding his complex family dynamics.

The pacing is on the slower side for the first half, but it really ramps up in the second half, with some wild twists (yes, the wings scene!). There were a few moments where the narrative jumped ahead in time a bit too quickly for my taste, and I found myself wanting just a little more detail, especially when it came to describing the settings and characters, but I’m optimistic the sequels will expand on those aspects.

One of my favorite lines that truly encapsulated the heart of the story was:

“Justice, freedom from oppression, basic human rights, these are not things anyone should have to fight for. They should be given at birth.”
That line stayed with me and reminded me why I was rooting for these characters and the world they’re trying to change.

If you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with dual POV, political tension, and a romance that’s more emotionally driven than spicy, this one is definitely worth checking out. I’m excited to see where the story goes next, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequels!