This was an interesting take on one of the most well known biblical stories, Adam and Eve. If you are looking for something that expands on this classic biblical story, this is not the book for you. The character development was strong that even I was cheering for Lucifer. This was an exciting and interesting listen. Just know, you must go in with an open mind.
I will preface this review with the advice of if you do not enjoy religious interpretations or texts to be altered or stray from the original form, this book is not for you, and I would advise you not to read this. It’s a work of fiction and is to be read with that in mind for enjoyment.
I was raised Catholic and absolutely loved this paranormal romance!
I love the way that the author has brought together the Christian elements and the Olympian elements in a way that makes sense. I enjoyed the way the story was told, occasionally jumping back to provide glimpses into the past.
I also enjoyed the way the narrator voiced the characters with emotion – it brought the author’s descriptive writing and characters to life.
The characters were constructed very well, each of them given their own distinct personalities which suited their roles.
I thought making the Olympian Gods and Christian God siblings was creative and created many humorous and interesting dynamics which were made believable.
I absolutely hated Adam, the author did well to create that feeling through the viewpoint of Lucifer so quickly.
I loved Eve’s sass when facing God and her strength in everything she faced however there were parts in which she frustrated me (her indecisiveness when it came to her romantic relationships for example).
Ares I have mixed feelings about, he’s caring (at times to the point of irritation) but also stubborn yet desperate? That’s the only word that comes to mind there. But I think I’m mostly annoyed by him because of my love for another character.
God a.k.a Chuck was written in a way that fits so well with the story of sibling rivalry – it made sense to me that it was written this way and although I was annoyed by some of what He did, I could see how His personality and family history led to it. The story would not be the same or as good if He had been changed in even the tiniest way – I am in awe of how well the author tied everything together through Chuck.
My absolute favourite character from beginning to end was Lucifer. Made out to be evil but cared for humanity, was fair and just and was punished for it. If I was Eve, there would be no question who my heart would go whole-heartedly to. I can’t give away too many reasons I love Lucifer in this book without revealing spoilers, just know he is caring, smart and fair. He deserves better.
I could rave for days about so many more characters and ways the author wove together an incredible story with surprises, manipulation and complexity, but revealing any more will give away spoilers and you really must experience this for yourself.
I loved it and I will be seeking out more by this author. Extremely talented!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can first say this story is very creative and I would also recommend if you are Christian like I am… please keep an open mind. I really enjoyed this story and it quite surprised me.
This take on the story is Eve, who is cursed by God but now has to return to the Garden of Eden and her need to do some healing. Eve is strong and as independent as she can be…including Lucifer, who also returns to the Garden of Eden and is also trying to navigate his way….especially knowing Cain has his own agenda.
This Creation retelling is unique, different and intriguing. I love how the author mixes in different characters including Cain and Ares and just seeing this story is a different perspective.
As a fan of mythology, I enjoyed seeing how the author intertwined the Christian God and the Greek Gods together. I am a Christian, but I still listened to and enjoyed this book. I didn’t see it as blasphemy or anything of the such, but as an interesting fictional story.
Lucifer has been yanked out of Hell and sent back to the Garden of Eden, where Eve is in charge. Eve, who was cursed by God, is now trying to heal the Garden of Eden along with some other immortals (Greek Deities). It is a shock for Eve to see her old love Lucifer again, especially with a jealous Ares hovering around them. This is an interesting retelling of the First Sin and paints the characters involved in a very different light to traditional Christian teachings. That is why I reiterate that it is a work of fiction to be enjoyed and not to be taken as a strike towards any Christian teachings. It amazes me how creative the author is, making twists and turns in the story. The only possible negative was that the narrator had such a soothing, low toned voice that it almost lulled me to sleep when I listened for a long time.
The author of this book takes an extremely unique spin on the story of when the first sin happened. It was a pretty interesting story however I think I got lost while reading it and my anticipation of what would come next made it really rough to follow along. Very creative take on the story. I’m definitely interested in reading more from the author on different subjects.
What a different yet modern day Retelling of the Creation of the world. Lucifer re-enters the world as we know it now. His life is completely turned upside down when his father sends him back to the Garden of Eden. Adam is not who I thought he was. He is abusive and all together needs a backbone of respect for Eve and those around him. As Eve is so much stronger and independent. This Retelling in modern day is spot on. I am a Christian and found this story to be humorous and easy to follow. Some of it was heart wrenching and yet again it was still worth my listening too. The author is creative and knows what she is writing about. Some may disagree, but for me it was well worth reading/listening to. I found this story enjoyable and found it to be informative, LOL. Life is too short to take everything too seriously. We all know the story, this is just a different way of looking at things. A Story reinvented and enjoyable.
Review@cinful
This is my first audio by this author. It is a little different story for me but I enjoyed listening to it from beginning to end. I enjoyed how the narrator brought life to the story by using different tones. The story has some suspense in it as well. You could tell when something was going to happen by the narrator’s tone. I enjoyed the characters and the growth of the plot. Lucifer finds himself back in the Garden of Eden only to find his Cain with some troubles. What happens you will need to listen to this audio to find out. I did enjoy listening to this book and glad that I picked it up. I highly recommend this audiobook.
The First Sin: South of Eden by Lisa Beth Darling
Narrated by John Walker
Five Stars
What an interesting take on the story of Adam and Eve. This book grabbed my attention in the first chapter and never let me go until it was over. I usually don’t listen to this genre, but I think I have been missing out. Ms. Darling weaves a brilliant tale of mythical perfection.
This is the first time I have listen to a book narrated by John Walker, but definitely won’t be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed his voice and look forward to finding more to listen to this narrator. Definitely looking forward listening to more from both the author and the narrator.
Reviewed by @sunbarn
I love finding new authors and new sort of twists on old tales. This was exactly the audiobook I needed. I love how the author is able to twist the tale of creation. The author brings the characters to life and brings the twist and turns along for the ride. I really could not stop listening to this book. The narrator brought so much to the characters and story. I really love how the story unfolds. Just when you thought you knew how creation started this book really adds a spice and flavour to the story bringing the listener along for the ride. I thoroughly got lost in this audiobook and cannot wait to hear more from this author.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
This story was quite interesting. First, the narrator had a fantastic voice. I really enjoyed listening to this with him chatting. I do want to say that having to hear about the dirty body parts dragging in the dirt wasn’t really a part of the story that helped it. I found the story to be intriguing from the view of Lucifer, Adam and Eve. The other characters were al right. It had it’s good points and weaker points. I think fans of romance with a bit of erotic in it may enjoy this story.
4/5 stars
➹⁀✵‿➹⁀ AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ➹⁀✵‿➹⁀
Unexpectedly and extremely unceremoniously, Lucifer is yanked out of Hell by his Father so he can return to his old job in the Garden of Eden. This not a reprieve. It’s a last ditch effort to save this withering Paradise, the single place that holds Heaven, Hell, and Earth together.
Lucifer finds he is not alone in in this fading haven. Having been trapped in Hell for more than 2,000 years he struggles to fulfill his Father’s wishes while learning his new place in his old home even as he pines after Eve who has a new lover in Ares.
In the world beyond the shimmering veil sequestering Eden from prying eyes, Cain Enoch has launched himself to the status of The World’s Richest Man and he is on the prowl. The Son of the Devil and Eve is set on finding Eden with murder and destruction on his mind.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The First Sin (South of Eden) Audiobook by Lisa Beth Darling
With her unique experiences and perspective on life, Lisa Beth Darling is unafraid to delve into places where others may fear to tread. Yet, as Lisa says; “Fear not the dark,” for in doing so she takes the reader on unforgettable journeys through parts of the mind and heart filled with glorious darkness. Here she is able to masterfully illuminate the gloom with gripping tales of the stormy events that shape, test, & define human character allowing us to shine in the most uncertain of times.
In richly defined worlds ranging from contemporary to those filled with magick and Gods, her gripping stories unabashedly run the gambit from dark & thrilling to heartwarming & inspirational. The characters that shape these worlds are ripe with secrets, lust, betrayal, and sometimes rage. Characters so alive they may keep you awake into the wee hours of the morning cheering, weeping, or trapped in suspense as her heroes and heroines are tested by demons who reside within and without.
Lisa Beth Darling is 56 years-old, the mother of two adult daughters, grandmother to two adorable granddaughters, and wife to her husband for 37 years, Roy. She lives and writes in her hometown of New London, CT. Early influences were Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, Harold Robins, Jacqueline Susan and VC Andrews. In her spare time she enjoys gardening and photography
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