Book 1 · The Chronicles of the Archangels
Betrayal
When an Archangel sets his hunger above the throne of Heaven.
Once, Kristov Abhorn stood among twelve men chosen and anointed by the Most High — called Archangels in name, though flesh and blood in truth. When his faith rotted into hunger for the throne itself, he set a blasphemous plan in motion: beginning with the murder of the one soul who truly loved him. Now aligned with darkness, Kristov hunts a forbidden tome torn into twelve parts, said to hold the power to slay even those whom the Most High once called His own. Betrayal is the opening movement of The Chronicles of the Archangels and the gateway into Sacred Grimdark — a fantasy where the sacred bleeds but does not break.
“He had been called by name. He answered with a blade.”
Available on Amazon UK, DE, FR & worldwide
Read the prologue to Betrayal before the first chapter.
“Tolle, lege.”
Themes & Motifs
- ✠The fall of the anointed
- ✠Hunger for the throne
- ✠The Twelvefold Tome
- ✠Sacred betrayal
What Readers Are Saying
If Jim Butcher and C. S. Lewis had a baby with J. R. R. Tolkien, this book would be it.
“I love this book so much! If you like dark fantasy, this book is for you! You feel as if you're a fly on the wall watching every dark and bloody move that happens. Quick's words flow like water, painting a picture as smoothly as DaVinci brushed that famous smile. After just the prologue, I needed to know more, to keep reading. I think what we have here is the birth of yet another great author. I cannot wait for book 2!”
Can't wait for book 2!
“The author can describe the weather in the way you actually feel you are in it to your core! I love the way the female characters are strong, smart and a little crazy! The battles waged, won, and lost — you can't help but keep turning the pages! Outside of the box for my typical book. Thankfully it was recommended to me and I will be watching and waiting for the next book!”
A new and excellent fantasy.
“An excellent experience for your reading pleasure. Mr. Quick weaves a complicated tale that takes you on a wild ride through a different world. I heartedly recommend this book.”
Wish there was more!
“I found this through TikTok and read through it pretty fast! It took a second to get used to the voice of the author — it's a lot more formal than you'd find in most books these days, but it was fitting for the type of book it was. I really liked Kristov. I'm also a very visual reader, and a lot of the descriptions were excellently done. I'm hoping that as it says Chronicles, there's going to be more.”
A must read!!!
“Great book. If you enjoy Frank Peretti's books, you will enjoy this one. Cannot wait for the next series.”
Excellent read!
“An excellent, can't put down read! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to all ages.”
Great book!
“Loved it — was a great read.”
Reader Questions
Do I need to read the Chronicles of the Archangels in order?
Yes. Betrayal is Book 1 and establishes Kristov Abhorn's fall, the Twelvefold Tome, and the cosmology that the rest of the saga answers to. Reading in order is strongly recommended.
Is Betrayal grimdark or theological fantasy?
Both. The Chronicles of the Archangels is the founding work of Sacred Grimdark — a tradition that keeps the brutality of grimdark while restoring sacred weight, vow, and witness. Readers of Erikson, Cook, and Abercrombie find a familiar darkness with deeper roots.
Where can I read Betrayal?
Betrayal is available worldwide on Amazon Kindle (UK, US, DE, FR, and every Amazon storefront). Subscribers to the Goat's Breath newsletter also receive a free prologue.
Is Betrayal suitable for younger readers?
No. The Chronicles of the Archangels is adult fantasy — it contains violence, spiritual horror, and morally heavy themes. Recommended for readers 17+.