According to a survey by the ICM, and an earlier survey by Yougov, roughly 40% of Brits believe in angels. In the US, an AP-GfK survey reported nearly 80% of people believe in angels. Oh yes, even among non-Christians the notion angels exist is widespread. Heck, even some who do not believe in some form of god trust in angels.
Wha-at?
I’m flabbergasted the numbers are so high.
Could this be why there is so little variation on the theme in fantasy or urban fantasy books? Angels are typically portrayed as warriors locked in eternal battle with demons, and humankind might become a casualty of war. Until an angel falls in love with a human and comes to understand how wonderful we are. Even outside the romance genre the angel as warrior theme persists. At best, you’ll get guardian angels, who are a specific type of angel with their own given traits.
I’m not dissing the genre. I love angel books. Different plots, different characters, different writing styles keep the genre fresh. Ish. But where is the overhaul?
Vampires, werewolves/shifters etc. are continuously being reinvented. The way they die, the way they are made, how they survive, how they love, their jobs, their living situations, … I can’t count the variations I’ve encountered over the years.
What about angels as supernatural detectives investigating infractions of the ten commandments, especially murder? Or how about angels as bureaucrats who once a millennium descend onto Earth to ensure humankind’s morals haven’t become too corrupted?
Feel free to steal these ideas. I’d really love to read about an angelic Veronica Mars.
Hey, I look forward to being proven wrong. Seriously. If you’ve read or written a book that explodes the traditional angel mold, please, please, please let me know.
