We’re back with another “why the fuck aren’t people talking about this” book series. Today I’d like to present the Fire & Brimstone Scrolls series by Nikole Knight.

The Fire & Brimstone Scrolls series is a complete, six book fantasy series set in a human world that contains secret angels and demons. The main character, Riley Shepard, is a college student, who struggles to navigate normal life as a closeted queer man, with a tremendously traumatizing past. Little does he know, he’s has had three guardian angels following him around for his whole life. He discovers his guardian angels as their curiosity accidentally lifts the veil from where they are supposed to remain hidden. The veil also reveals the dark side to this magical realism and kicks off an intense battle between good, evil, and the mortally grey in between.

I discovered the first book, Revelations, because my blessed Kindle Unlimited algorithm INSISTED that I read it. Every time I would click on the Discover section, the KU gods were like, hey, did you read Revelations yet? Do you want to? It’s really good. You should check it out.

Anyway.

These stories Hurt. My. Feelings. So. Gird your loins. And keep the tissues close. Honestly though, it speaks to the author’s skill level that she’s able to make the reader care so deeply about the characters that your heart gets absolutely shredded if something happens to any of them. Well done, Nikole, but I will admit that I’m scared to read any of your other works.

The found family element of these stories speak directly to my soul. For those of us who, in real life, have been disappointed by the family they were given, the found family trope is like a warm snuggle. The main character is abused physically and psychologically by their foster mother. They are abandoned by everyone else who should have been labeled as “family” that when they discover that they are finally in a safe environment, surrounded by beings who would do anything for them, it is a beautiful awakening that we, as the reader, get to experience with the character.

Nikole’s take on heaven and hell is interesting as well. Heaven is a place that humans can visit, as long as they have the right permissions. However, there is a distinction between Heaven and the final resting place, Elysium. As you can imagine, considering the last book is ominously titled, “Elysium”, you can imagine where this story is heading. Now, although I have a strong spiritual walk, I’m not particularly fond of organized religion, so maybe this is why Nikole’s descriptions resonated with me. You have to keep an open mind, but you will be rewarded.

This is also the only books I’ve read with an asexual character. This is a poly, M/M/M story, with four men. So why is the fourth “M” missing? Because Gideon is asexual, so he isn’t involved in the same way. Don’t get it twisted, though. Riley’s relationship with him is achingly romantic and loving. In fact, their connection might have been my favorite of the group. But then there’s also Jai and Noel, who have their own relationship outside of the dynamic they have with Riley. Because they are angels, their connection has been forged through an endlessly long history, as only immortals can experience.

As a warning, this is a dark story. There’s abuse, violence, and trauma on page, so if that’s tough for you, proceed with caution. I will say that all of the violence has a purpose and isn’t there just for shock value. At times, it will seem like all is lost, but stick with it, okay? Listen, I’ve attempted to read Zodiac Academy and this is not that. Hell, I could only make it through book 5 before I had to put it aside. The Twisted Sisters have really earned their nickname. Whew. Just remember that there is an eventual HEA at the end of the Fire and Brimstone Scrolls series. Nikole makes you work for it, but it is 100% worth it.

Nikole has a few other books in her back catalog that I haven’t read, so if you’re interested in this series or any of her other books, you can check out her website here. She even has a collaboration with Lily Mayne, who is another one of my favorite authors, so I might have to check out Whispers in the Dark. If you read this series or any other of Nikole’s books, let me know!