TAD by M.D. Neu [Book Review]

Note: Review copy supplied by the author

Title: TAD

Author: M.D. Neu

Publisher: NineStar Press

Genre: Paranormal

Length: 53,100 words

Tad bounces around in time and watches mankind grow and change. He loves humanity and helping when he can. However, his job isn’t conducive to helping people—he’s an Angel of Death.

Doug is a fun-loving drama queen. He’s an amazing drag queen and hairstylist with big dreams, but despite his witty exterior, he has a dark history and is prone to self-destruction.

When Tad pushes the boundaries of his duties too far, his wings are stripped away from him, and he is sent to New York City to live as a human. Lost and alone he ends up meeting Doug, and they start a friendship that shapes them both and may last a lifetime. But nothing is simple when you’re dealing with a former Angel of Death and a Drag Queen. Could these two cause the fabric of our world to collapse or will they manage to keep the future as it should?

 

This is the second book I’ve read by Marvin, and thus far, he has not disappointed! TAD is a short read, but one that packs a fair bit in.

When it comes to characters, the two we spend most of the book with are Doug, a drag queen/hairdresser, and Tad, a fallen Angel of Death. Sounds like an odd pairing, doesn’t it? The way the two characters interact make up the core of what makes this such an enjoyable read though.

Doug is kind-hearted, but he certainly suffers from some self-image problems, and his issues with alcohol and drugs aren’t helping him at all. Meanwhile, Tad has been sent to Earth as punishment for meddling too much in the lives of humans. You see, he loves humans, and hates that he has to take the souls of so many. Now, cast adrift, he’s lost.

In essence, this is a tale of two friends helping each other come to terms with their lot in life. They both help each other understand what it is to be alive and what they need to do. It’s sweet, and their friendship is a joy to read. The supernatural elements are also strong, with Fate and the other angels visiting the pair in an effort to avert a major disaster. Then, it all builds up a tearjerker of a twist ending.

It’s worth noting that the book is not without scenes that will potentially be difficult for some readers though. It deals with 9-11 for one, which is always a tough subject to cover. Then, there’s Tad being assaulted at a bar, and Doug telling him about the death of one of his friends. In a way, the sadness is a good balance to the sweeter side of the story, but it’s still hard at times.

In all though, Tad is a quick, enjoyable read. It has an interesting take on angels and uses it to explore what it means to be human. Definitely worth a read if you love LGBTQ characters in a setting that’s equal parts contemporary and supernatural. This gets a 4 out of 5 from me.