Dark and inventive - Rated 
This is a great book. It blends the two essentials seamlessly, excellent writing and original and gripping plot.
As a sequel this book expands the original world, through an array of new and interesting characters, my favourite of which was John Anchor, hugely likeable; he reminded me of John Coffey from 'The Green Mile.' But he was not the only great newcommer - Hasp, Mina Green, Alice Harper, Cospinol, all add new depth to Campbell's world, whilst still moving the story forward.
There is a dark, black humour underpinning Iron Angel, which, while not wrenching the laugh out loud moments that Abercrombie manages, still leaves you smiling. the scene with the Soft Men is stand out.
This guy's immagination is right out there - hugely original and hugely entertaining.
Part of what i like about the book is that it gives nods to past fantasy - there seems to be more Pullman than Tolkien in his vision, and also a considerable debt i suspect is owed to Dante's 'Inferno.' - his vision of Hell is detailed and mind blowing.
Whilst the fantasy is complex and 'out there' the story is wonderfully rooted in character - particularly Dill, Rachel and newcommer Alice Harper.
If the story ever made it to Hollywood I'd imagine it in the hands of someone like Tim Burton - artistic, twisted, entertaining.
If i was to grumble, it would be about the limited appearance of Carnival - such a great character from Scar Night; her lack of page time is really dissapointing, and also Devon, who, even worse, was a complete no-show. One of the finest, darkest 'bad-guys' that i have loved to hate in a long while, and there is no sight of him at all. Hugely dissapointing. In fact, i would have detracted half a star and rated the book 4 1/2 for this ommitance, but Amazon doesn't do half stars, and the book doesn't deserve a four, so it has stayed at five.
Anyway, needless to say, i loved the book - a complete page turner, sucking you in with that 'just one more page' feel. And what a cliffhanger of an ending.
Can't wait for part three.
mesmerizing - Rated
As good as scar night and expand on questions left open from the first book. I have to say that both these books are among the best I have read. The history and depth of the scared angel makes her one of the coolest anti-heroes I have meet. The dark universe created in these books are one of the most fascinating ever.
On second thought-give it a fair chance. - Rated 
I simply loved Scar Night and Lye Street.
However, this next installment did not live up to my expectations. The pace and tone were good but there were just many new characters and not enough of the old ones. E.g. Carnival practically didn't appear anywhere throughout the novel ( except when she dies- does she die?) and where the hell did Devon go!?
However I do like the new concepts introduced and Hell sent shivers down my spine. The technology is also well described, lending the novel an element of reality.
The best thing about Cambpell's novels are that they never seem to give the reader a break or allow a sense of safety- no matter what, you can always expect the worst!
Overall well written and involving.
a flawed jewel - Rated 
The first book "Scar Night" is one of my all time favrites so this book was on top of my wish list.
It doesnt disappoint and delivers a fantastic story, however it introduces too many new mechanics to the story too fast.
The story still follows the misfortune of Dill and Rachel as the young angel trys to come to terms with what and who he is, alot more really strange but brilliantly realised new people join him and the scene is as vividly painted as the chained city was in scar night.
The first book was excellent and had a real sense of character, you cared what happened to Dill and Rachel and even Carnival, and the story was easy enough to follow but left the important questions hanging leaving you salivating for more, this second book just doesnt quite capture the same feel as the first and the ending doesnt quite end as well as the first.
New gods and new chacters flood the book and although revealing alot more background on what the books are all about it all just overwhelms the detail and the main characters you follow dont get the attention they deserve.
Dont get me wrong this book is excellent and i would advise buying it if you liked scar night but new things are introduced in such a rush that you dont get time to take it in, saying that though im now waiting desperatly for the next installment.
read the first before you read this one! - Rated
have you read scar night? (the first in the trilogy) then you really need to before you read the second enstallment... although its amazing to read, hard to put down and hosting some of the most surreal characters i've ever read... it will be hard to understand if you havent read the first. the imagery that alan campbell has conjured up will leave you wondering why other authors dont employ the same level of creativity. All i can say is i cant wait till the next in the codex...
|
