Tears in Crystal Vials

What if the angels caught each tear we cried In crystal vials trimmed with silver and gold, To lay at the feet of the One Who resides In Heavenly places to bless and behold?

What if the tears that we shed were collected And strewn in the sky to catch the Son's rays; His brilliant Light by each teardrop reflected Painting a bow to remind and amaze?

The Sovereign Lord can change crying to laughter And wipe every tear from our eyes; Replacing our sorrows with joy-filled hereafters And ashes with rainbows to color our lives.

Tears in Crystal Vials
by Belinda van Rensburg

"I found Elijah Hael - The Last Judgement really interesting and a new spin on how Angels are formed. And that no matter how dark you think things are, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That maybe there is hope for everybody.

I would read this book again and I would recommend it to other readers."

Caryolyn - via Goodreads

A must read for Christians young and old!

"Sophia was raised in an orphanage and had no idea how special she truly was. Her best friend Anne came to the orphanage when they were both 4 years old. Little did Sophia know that she was written about in a prophecy that would take the girls on an amazing adventure across England.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I found out that this is the backstory to Steve Goodwin's Elijah Hael series. Although I haven't read the other novels, my interest has certainly been peaked. I loved how realistic the interaction among the characters were. The bond between Michael, Sophia, and Anne was unbreakable. The things I loved most about the story were the Christian values that it repeatedly taught and the fact that they were backed up with scripture. This was a fantastic tale about faith, love, and God's plan for our lives. A must read for Christians young and old!"

Review for The Angelic Gene by Simone Lilly-Egerter via Amazon US

Captivating and thrilling

"Once again Goodwin created a great read. The twists and turns in every direction keeping the flow of the story intriguing."

Rhonda Umphrey
Review for "The Angelic Gene" via Amazon US

Sandra Tibbetts thoughts of the Elijah Hael series.

On "Elijah Hael - The Last Judgement - A Thoughtful story

"Rated Elijah Hael and the Last Judgement 5 stars because it is thoughtfully composed and a really different kind of fiction. Glad I found Goodwin's books"

On "Elijah Hael - The Genetic Code" - Steve Goodwin really surprised me

"I will recommend this book to my family & friends. It is a good book on Christian living and a super new interpretation of angels."

On "The Angelic Gene" - Great easy read

"Though fiction it was a thoughtful look at angels. I would recommend this book to anyone . Made me happy & sad at the same time."

Sandra R. Tibbetts, via Amazon U.S.

Thanks Sandra, appreciate the feedback.  Glad you enjoyed all three.

A Creative Novel Shining a Light on the Spiritual Realm

"The Angelic Gene imagines a cadre of angels who long ago volunteered to enter the human race and create offspring who would carry their angelic genes for the good of humanity. Unfortunately, dark forces of the underworld became aware of this line of gifted and spiritually attuned humans. The dark forces, one evil persona in particular, began tracking them and killing them off. One person remains carrying the angelic gene, and she is unaware of her angelic pedigree. It will be up to her and a troupe of highly trained monks to destroy the evil forces that have been raised to end the angelic gene.

The narrative occurs in late 19th Century Great Britain and involves one of the most infamous killers of history who serves his dark master by murder.

Goodwin's The Angelic Gene is a prequel to two previously published books in the series. It is an intriguing set of characters and plot to want to follow. Since this is the first that I have read, reading the other two appeals to me. Readers who have read the other books in the series may better appreciate getting the back story of Sophia and learning how she has developed and matured. It seems that Goodwin assumed some prior knowledge among readers and didn't fully elaborate on characters and plot in a way he would have if this was the first book written in the series.

The story moves along at a steady pace except for a few areas that seemed to bog down and could have been trimmed. This could have been better developed to give readers a better feel for the historical, cultural and geographic settings of the book.

Goodwin inserts some discussions of Christianity into the story. These subjects are relevant to the story and characters. Some of the spiritual interactions are Biblical and some involve imaginative creativity by the author.

A few times the author seems to write some historical inconsistencies that interrupt the development and flow of the book's setting. For example, he has a baptism scene in which the two teen girls are baptized in a pond or river. Both girls spent their childhoods in a Roman Catholic orphanage and attended Mass at a Catholic Church. There is practically no way they would not have been baptized as infants in such a setting.

Other than a few inconsistencies like that, the book is enjoyable and broaches myriad topics of the spiritual realm. It also pulls on the heartstrings more than once. The characters are appealing -- who wouldn't love a monk who is like a ninja warrior? The Angelic Gene carrier begins the battle she will apparently continue through the series of fighting the shadows that have entered our world from the underworld."

- C. Stephans - via Amazon US

Best book I have read since Steve Goodwin's last one

"I enjoyed The Angelic Gene very much, the story line was very catching I did not want to put it down, i really like the way Steve Goodwin writes it's very easy to lose your self in his writing, can't wait for his next book, or better still the movie version would be wonderful."

Irene Dyer, via Amazon US

C.M. Sinned review of "The Angelic Gene"

"I've read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them immensely! The 3rd offering in the series wasn't a let down either! It jumps the gate and starts down the hill like a steamroller chasing an avalanche! The story is fast paced and contains very miniscule lulls in the activity. Mr. Goodwin's character development and writing style continues to grow in depth and scope as he brings "The world of Elijah Hael" to life and furthers the series. I particularly enjoy how the author conveys spirituality throughout his books without coming across as "preachy." I look forward to the next installment from Mr. Goodwin!"

C.M. Sinned reivew of "The Angelic Gene" - via Amazon US

"This Here Blog" review for "The Angelic Gene"

An orphanage is the only home Sophia has ever known. The sisters that run it, the orphans, and her "sister" Anne are the only family she has. When she is forced to leave, and face someone that is trying to kill her, she has no idea why. Steve Goodwin weaves her story in The Angelic Gene.

Sophia has to learn about herself, but she also has to learn to trust people that want to help her. She maintains a strong trust in God, even when she doesn't understand His ways. Being caught in a struggle to protect herself, her family, and the world in general forces her to mature quickly.

There are several spiritual themes in the book, besides the obvious nuns and monks. Putting the needs of others before your own is prominent, and faith is spoken of freely by the characters.

I am wary when reading a book by an author I haven't heard of. I don't know whether I will like the book, or will have wasted my time. In this case, it was the former. The Angelic Gene kept my attention throughout the story, and I didn't get lost from a bunch of different plot points. Though two sides of the story unfolded simultaneously, both came together in the end, with a twist here and there.

Via Amazon US and "This Here Blog Random, maybe useful, thoughts."

Miki's Hope review of "The Angelic Gene"

"What a strange and uttering entertaining tale this is. This is so far out of the realm of books I normally read that I was surprised that I got caught up. It definitely has a religious bent, ultimate good vs ultimate evil and all the shades in-between. This is the third book in the Elijah Hael Series. I did not read the first two but this can definitely be read as a stand alone with no problem. The journey through life that Sophia is destined to follow is not an easy one but the light follows her and her traveling companions until the very end and then beyond. I believe that teens would enjoy this book as well as their parents."  

A review from Miki's Hope for The Angelic Gene, also appears on Amazon US and Goodreads.

In the arms of the angel

"Writing dialog for Society 713 brought back memories of Nya in Elijah Hael - The Genetic Code, which inspired the creation of the attached artwork." - Steve Goodwin

There’s always some reason
To feel not good enough,
And it’s hard, at the end of the day.
I need some distraction

Oh, beautiful release.
Memories seep from my veins.
Let me be empty,
Oh, and weightless,
And maybe I’ll find some peace tonight.
In the arms of the angel, Fly away from here.

extract from “In the Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLaughin

Janae

Janae sees the angels spread their wings
And speaks to them of life before they died.
None of them is sad, though sadness sings
As beautifully of where they now abide,
Eternal in an ether vast and wide.

"Janae" a poem by Nicholas Gordon

Peter Younghusband's review of "The Angelic Gene"

Peter Younghusband, pro blogger, and Christian Fiction Review Guru , review of "The Angelic Gene"

This is the long anticipated third book in the Elijah Hael series, however it can read as standalone without having read the previous two books. Having said that, this is a great introduction to this series, and I would encourage any reader new to the Elijah Hael series to start with this one. It definitely gives the background to Sophia, and you will understand her better in the Elijah Hael books from reading this one. The other advantage is that the reader should pick up some connections from this book to the previous two, so Goodwin states and is quite proud of this fact. He throws it out there to see who picks up these connections. I must confess, I am still working on this as it is within 4 months since reading the previous two. I have mentioned this to the author, and he has allowed me to mention that "....The crucifix Anne gives to Michael is the same one that Seth uses in The Genetic Code".

Goodwin has stated that The Angelic Gene is different from Elijah Hael books and after reading this, I would agree. Set in a much earlier time than the previous two, Sophia is much younger, her age spans from birth to age 16 years in this novel compared to a much older and mature age in the other two books. In this novel she is human and in the other two in another form. You will have to read these novels to know what I mean by that statement. No spoilers!

I really loved this novel! One of my favourites! It really is a beautiful story. There is a gentleness in Goodwin's writing but a firmness or solidness in its delivery. It flows well, and Goodwin has, without too much detail, transported the reader into the 1870s. Some of these are done well by adding historical events such as who the character of Jack really is other than Memphis' pawn and what he is known for in history is connected to Memphis' plans.

I have a soft spot for Jack. Despite his infamy in recorded history, the background Goodwin provides for this character encouraged me to see him as a lost soul caught in desperation of his condition and a slave of his fear of dying and of the afterlife. This develops in him a hatred of God and of Christians, but it is this that actually enables him to consider over the course of this book, that these Christians have the peace and freedom that he so desperately desires and that God might just be who He says He is. Memphis, who hates God with his entire being, actually unknowingly and unwittingly gives Jack a clue to this revelation. And it is this that gives him the motivation to make divisive action against his master. I did admire him for this but was heart broken that despite this, his outcome and end was the same as if he had not done this action. I consider Jack one of Goodwin best developed characters.

Another event recorded in history is that of Kate Kibble, one of 37 women, banned from Birmingham pubs for being habitually drunk and yes she did have one eye! I thought the inclusion here of Kate's demise while Jack was contemplating his situation in the pub and to have to attend to Kate was well done and strengthened my affection for him! Yet another, was the reference to William Booth, who we know as the founder of The Salvation Army. All these events have added credibility to the era that Goodwin has successfully transported the reader to.

Goodwin has depicted Anne and Sophia as very realistic children of their age groups throughout the novel. Developing their characters right from the beginning, their innocence, vulnerability and frailty due to be orphaned is well done and endears you to these two. You cannot do anything else except feel for them, support them and want to protect them and Goodwin's development of Michael as guide, protector and mentor helps the reader here in developing the reader's rapport with these two orphans. Goodwin has also depicted the closeness of Anne and Sophia very well as inseparable friends (and something deeper, but you will have to read the novel to find out in what way this is!!) and this adds a great depth to the plot and their important role in the fight against Memphis and fulfilling the prophecy.

I must make mention here of the dog, Dash. This adds another "character" to become endeared to and I discover from the author that Dash is based on his own dog of the same breed and name as his own. I can see how Goodwin has portrayed Dash here as pretty much the same as he experienced Dash in his life and the depiction of the relationship between Dash and the two girls. Very nicely done.

Memphis has been developed successfully as the demon bent on destroying Sophia and all connected to her in achieving his dominance of the world and Goodwin provides him with a great degree of evilness that does make you feel creepy, especially in his mastery of the demonic practices of sorcery and necromancy.

I love the way Goodwin has introduced the angelic involvement. With one angelic character, there is a twist that I did not see coming, but once you do, it makes sense and I chuckled at the cleverness of Goodwin to include and add another layer to the plot and relationship between the characters.

I loved the ending, the final confrontation between Sophia and her band of warriors against Memphis and his demonic army and the aftermath. I did cry at the demise of one loved character and the happiness of another and how this could flow into a sequel.

All in all, the loose ends are tied up but I can see that it is possible for a fourth book in this series, especially one to follow on from this one but also to fit in with the previous two.

Goodwin has stated that The Angelic Gene has a special place in his heart and I can understand why, I can say the same for me as well. Won't forget this one in a hurry. I would love to see this made into a movie!! It would be a ripper!

The author gifted this novel to me as a Kindle edition and this has not influenced my review. I have made it known to him that this review is based entirely on my opinion and how I interpreted his novel.

The Angelic Gene: Highly Recommended

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Be sure to check out Peter's blog at http://christianfictionreviewguru.blogspot.com.au/ for other detailed reviews.

Review for The Angelic Gene

I've read the outstanding first two books in this series (Elijah Hael - The Last Judgement / Elijah Hael - The Genetic Code) and have finished the excellent third. The entire series is a winner and I hope that Goodwin has more coming down the pike.

K. Bolas (North California) review of The Angelic Gene, via Amazon US

Thanks K. Bolas!, we appreciate the review.