World Famous Comics: Iron Angel (The Deepgate Codex)
Iron Angel (The Deepgate Codex)
By: Alan Campbell Publisher: Spectra Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Spectra Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 416 Publication Date: April 29, 2008 Release Date: April 29, 2008
Product Description: In this stunning follow-up to his epic fantasy debut, Alan Campbell propels readers into a captivating city battling for its own survival—and that of humankind—in a world of deities and demons, fallen angels and killers.
After a destructive battle, the ancient swaying city of Deepgate has been overtaken. Most of the chains that suspend it have given way, toxic fumes are emanating from blazing structures, and the temple once inhabited by the ruling Presbyter now dangles upside down above the once-uncharted abyss. The victorious Spine have initiated martial law and are ruthlessly pursuing all who attempt to leave. Amid the turmoil, two captives are returned.
Arriving by ship are the young angel Dill, now toughened by war, and traitor assassin Rachel Hael. Incarcerated in the slowly crumbling temple, the two await their fate, while from the abyss beneath them ghosts rise—for the death of the god Ulcis has left open the gates to Hell.
But on orders from his divine brethren, Cospinol, the god of brine and fog, is traveling the world to Deepgate to seal this breach. His great skyship is being dragged through the air by the giant John Anchor, a monster of a man enslaved to pull the god’s vessel, moving slowly, inevitably, toward the city.
As the city waits, teetering on the brink, myriad plans for vengeance are set in motion, from the continent of Pandemeria to Heaven itself. Among them is a ghostly archon sent to deliver a message to the gods on earth—using Dill as his vessel. Thrust from his body, Dill’s own soul returns to Hell. When Dill and Rachel are attacked by Spine assassins, Rachel has no choice but to try to escape with the creature that calls itself Dill…and to somehow find a way to restore her friend’s soul before it’s too late. For powerful forces are stirring, and in the coming battle between gods, it is the world of men that is at stake.
Just as fantastic as Scar Night - fresh and interesting series I am continuously impressed by this author and really can't believe he is a new writer. The best way I can describe this series is gothic, industrial fantasy complete with demons, gods, and assassins. I was a little concerned after reading the reviews that this is a typical middle novel whose main purpose was to set up the finale, but I was pleasantly surprised. The author did a great job of pacing a lot of action without sacrificing character development, and I loved the cliff-hanger ending. If you are one of the many George RR Martin fans not-so-patiently waiting for his next book, check out this series for a fresh voice in well-written, character-driven, action-packed fantasy that goes beyond the normal hack-and-slash formula.
Kinda Good? If you didn't enjoy the first book in the series don't bother with this. Thankfully i rather enjoyed the first book. This book however represents something of a departure from the first. The first book is set almost entirly within the bounds of Deepgate, very little of this one does. Whats more This book just keeps introducing new characters, like it didn't know how to stop. Some characters are great, like John Anchor, who is litetaly the anchor for a DemiGods floating ghost ship. But some of the Characters and Redshirts, just there to deliver a line and die (like the Black swords and White Swords on the train). The story also has a departure. The first book is mostly the story of Dill and how he becomes a man (or angel as the case may be), and whereas Dill is still a major player the book is more about the Fallens angels of heaven. The Brothers of Uclis God of Deepgate in the first book. Still all told, I liked the book, maybe just not as much as the first. Sometimes I'm a little kid, and I want more of what i like. I wanted more Dill.
Great follow-up to Scar Night This second book in the "Deepgate Codex" expands on concepts introduced in the first and introduces great new characters and an intriguing new plotline. We get to meet the other sons of Ayen and learn more about their past. The history of the fallen gods is revealed and their present situation makes for an intriguing new story. Dill and Rachel are still front and center, and the character of John Anchor is a welcome addition to the cast. I only wish Carnival had more face time in this novel, but I'm sure she'll play a large part in novels to come.
interesting gory fantasy Considered impregnable and thus invincible, war came to the city held over a bottomless abyss by chains, Deepgate. Shockingly a betrayal has led to the defeat of the unconquerable as most of the suspension chains have been broken and the toxic fumes previously deployed to keep the barbarians away from the city are now oozing from the fiery edifices. Symbolizing the collapse is the Temple of Church leader Presbyter Sypes who precariously hangs upside down deep into the abyss on the brink of falling. The conquering Spine rules the city with an iron fist.
However, the Gods who resided there are outraged and desperate. They begin a counter offensive against their former equals and now apparent superiors, traitorous Gods, to regain the city even if it means the end of mortal existence. Their weapons for divine retaliation are the angel Dill and traitorous assassin Rachel Hael, whose actions caused much of the destruction. However, they are both prisoners of the Spine yet they remain the hope of the Heavenly residents especially as it is obvious to all that the god Ulcis must have died during the combat for he would never have left open the portal at the bottom of the abyss that leads from Hell to the earth.
The second Deepgate Codex Volume is an interesting gory fantasy that has the middle book feel of setting up for the finish. The story line is extremely vivid as the audience will breathe the toxins, see the infernos, and feel vertigo from the swaying city's few functioning chains. However, no one, not even the chosen two, seems to step forth to carry the novel; thus that sense of IRON ANGEL being the transitory tale in a trilogy. Still fans of SCAR NIGHT will appreciate Alan Campbell's deep look at what has happened to Deepgate since the war of the gods erupted.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
