I wasn’t expecting this next book to be quite what it was but I also have to admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect at the same time. Traces by Franklin J. Knight is the first book in the Traces series. It tells the story of Harriet, a woman who has just passed away and must deal with everything that entails. Specifically, in regards to how the afterlife or heaven is both everything it was said to be but also nothing like she thought it would be. At the same time it tells the story of Adlai and Damiel. Damiel is a heavenly host, or angel, who focuses on healing making him a part of the heilen tribe. He is assigned a job from the Creator to be a mentor for a new angel which is Adlai. Damiel watches Adlai be born and take his first bite of the tree of goodness. Damiel is also there when the orchestra and conductor paint Adlai with his traces which outline what the Creator has intended for him in terms of potential destiny. In fact, Damiel ends up confused by this as the traces indicate that Adlai is a new archangel so he is unsure why he is assigned to mentor him.
This book was interesting in that the story was rather compelling and very well told. I really felt like I got to know the various characters, specifically Damiel and Harriet, over the course of the book. The plotline that was interwoven with the characters though was rather confusing in many ways. The book opens on Harriet dying in the hospital which should indicate that the rest of the story is tied into that event but only part of the story is. I say part because it does return to Harriet and the events after that scene later in the book but it is way later in the book when it does so. There is this huge section right after this scene that focuses exclusively on Damiel and Adlai and their interactions with other members of the host and nowhere in this section are there references to Harriet or the events in that opening scene. Later, when it swaps back to telling the story of Harriet after that opening scene there are practically no references to Damiel and Adlai. They are referenced but only briefly and only at the very end of the story. This creates this huge gulf between the two halves of the story which makes the story feel odd and incomplete. It also makes me feel like there is way more going on than is being said in this story. I said before that the story is compelling and it is as long as you look at each part of the story as being separate. The story of what is going on with Harriet was definitely interesting and one that I would like to see where it goes next. I can also say the same thing about the story of Damiel and Adlai as I would also like to see where it goes next. My main problem is that I have no idea why these two stories are part of the same book when there seems to be such a huge disconnect between the two halves. Since this seems to be the first book in a series I hope this issue is resolved in later books in the series. I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Overall, this was a decent book as it had a great premise with a few potential problems. However, if you happen to enjoy books that are considered fantasy and have to deal with the afterlife in any way, shape or form than I suggest you consider trying it out. Because it deals with the afterlife and life in heaven it also deals with the subject of death so it may not be something that everyone can easily handle. I don’t necessarily think this subject is an issue but I know it may be a problem for others. It also can probably be considered a Christian fantasy due to its repeated references to the Creator and heaven and the angelic host which also may turn readers away. However, the book maintains an upbeat tone for most of it and only parts of it come across as heavy or depressing, despite the subject matter. In fact, there are several scenes that would almost be considered humorous in tone. The book is aimed at adults but I don’t foresee any problems, besides what I have already mentioned, that would prevent younger readers from reading it but I would suggest only older teens and not necessarily readers younger than that. Either way, if you decide to try it feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. I acquired this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.