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Reviewed by Janice Benson for Readers' Favorite
Heaven's Forgotten by Branden Johnson is unique. Its plot unfolds smoothly, beginning with the introduction of Penelope and Moira, a mother and daughter caught in the middle of a war of sorts between Heaven and the Fallen. It continues with the introduction of several memorable and incredibly human characters till it reaches a somewhat perplexing conclusion.
On the whole, the book is well crafted and extremely engaging. The heavy themes of Johnson's novel had the potential to be preachy or off putting. He, instead, skillfully weaves the theme within an amazing tapestry of human wants and wishes that ends up being thoughtful rather than heavy handed. The developing plot is not predictable, and that's quite a feat when one is walking ground as well trodden as angels and heaven. It's been a topic of literature for centuries, yet Johnson gives his characters life, not repetitious traits and dialogue that could be copied from a television screenplay.
I found Moira Ley to be extremely genuine, if not always likable. The burden she carries is a hard one, having been seduced by an angel and left to raise a half-angelic child alone. The difficulties of raising any child alone are definitely overshadowed by the chore of raising a child with Penelope's special talents and disabilities. There was a great deal of authenticity in his descriptions of those troubles and Moira's feelings and struggles. Suspending disbelief is routine for readers of paranormal fiction of any kind. For the most part, Johnson does a very good job of pulling readers along with the unfolding events, no matter how outlandish. Overall, I give the novel a solid recommendation. It flows smoothly, reads like a mystery, and has amazing characters.
