Started - 19/02/16
Finished - 22/02/16
A wonderful dark fantasy full of imagination. I was worried
about this one. I’ve read quite a few angel based fantasies in the past few
years, it’s not a topic I tend to gravitate towards if only because I find it
very limiting, however De Bodard creates a world that’s so much richer than the
biblical mythos. The inclusion of Asian creatures, the hints and possibilities
of other cultures I hope she delivers on in sequels, all makes this a much
deeper satisfying read.
I won’t say it’s perfect. There are times especially early
on when a lot is left unexplained. This is normally fine, I’ve talked about
pacing and information dumping before, but these things are mentioned so often –
without a single line of background explanation – that it starts to irritate.
There is also a question of the language. De Bodard is poetic, not to an excessive
level, nothing that detracts from the narrative and she knows how to be succinct
when the situation calls for it, but occasionally you feel besieged. Finally
the descriptions of Paris at turns ruined and at others close to hale with shops
and omnibuses are a little confusing; there is no clear picture of what we’re
looking at.
They are tiny complaints for a book that has darkness
without being depressing, a highly realised imagination and wonderful
surprises. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next.
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