A review by halfmanhalfbook
Principles of Angels by Jaine Fenn
4.0
The alien city of Khesh is the only habitable part of the planet of Vellern. It is a city of two halves; the Topside is luxurious and peaceful part; the Undertow is dark, and full of danger. It is partly democratic, but is ruled by the Minister who exercise control with his Angels, an elite race of assassins.
Taro used to live in the privileged Topside, or did until a man who he had spent the night with followed hime home and killed his Aunt, an Angel. Now he is struggling to survive in the Undertow, but a chance meeting with the Minister, means he has a purpose once again. Elarn is a famous singer, but her visit to the city is really a mission to kill someone from her past.
As events in the city begin to escalate, the destinies of Elarn and Taro become intertwined and the fate of the city rests on they shoulders.
The city that Fenn has created is cohesive, whilst being very alien indeed, from the political elite that rule, to the dark and sordid underclass that have their own rules. Whilst it is a science fiction world, this city feels alive too as it pulses with the characters. On top of all this, the plot writhes and twists as the story rushes to its dramatic conclusion. Great stuff. Onto the next
Taro used to live in the privileged Topside, or did until a man who he had spent the night with followed hime home and killed his Aunt, an Angel. Now he is struggling to survive in the Undertow, but a chance meeting with the Minister, means he has a purpose once again. Elarn is a famous singer, but her visit to the city is really a mission to kill someone from her past.
As events in the city begin to escalate, the destinies of Elarn and Taro become intertwined and the fate of the city rests on they shoulders.
The city that Fenn has created is cohesive, whilst being very alien indeed, from the political elite that rule, to the dark and sordid underclass that have their own rules. Whilst it is a science fiction world, this city feels alive too as it pulses with the characters. On top of all this, the plot writhes and twists as the story rushes to its dramatic conclusion. Great stuff. Onto the next