A review by nikspandya
Pulling the Wings Off Angels by K.J. Parker

dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ummm this was so good!!

Never Pulling the Wings Off Angels is a novella (131 pages) that includes: a cheeky angel, deadly gangster, and a sinner by “proxy.” A clerical student who’s racked up gambling debts to a local gangster is given an ultimatum - deliver the angel or forfeit various body parts in payment. 

Dark comedy is one of my favorite genres. Finding that perfect middle between witty and macabre and funny is tricky enough and I think KJ Parker really hits it out of the park. He provides the reader with a perfect viewing of chaos from all angles (note: this is the only appropriate use of “angles” in this review) (see: common misspelling of angels).  

This story really isn’t like anything I’ve read. It’s KJ’s opportunity to have a human, Narrator, question an omnipotent god character, The Immortal Sun. It’s POV is in second person so the snarkiness is giving Deadpool. Safe to say, themes of justice and theology work together to call out the Immortal Sun on unfair decision making and treatment of humans. 

Growing up in Texas, you become pretty affluent in western religions whether you want to be or not. It was interesting to read and get behind Narrator as he questioned the Immortal Sun - this god greatly resembles the religious fallacy presented by conservatives here down south, and gives big “my will, my way” vibes without any of the compassion spirituality can teach. 

I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day (very unlike me). I recommend this book to everyone after checking the trigger/content warnings!! 

Thank you to KJ Parker and TORDOTCOM for this very freaking cool ARC! 
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