Review: Excellent novella
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 14, 2010
Angels' Pawn is the fantastic introduction to Singh's Guild Hunters series. Quite different in tone than Angels' Blood or Angels' Kiss, the novels that follow it, I actually enjoyed it more.The main characters in Angels' Pawn are the Guild Hunter Ashwini, and the vampire Janvier. (The main characters in the novels of the series are the hunter Elena, and archangel Raphael.) As some reviewers have mentioned, I felt a bit as if I was missing some world building backstory while reading the novella. However I had no problem figuring out what was going on, and it was one of my few complaints about the story.Singh's character development shines here, something particularly impressive given the short length of the book. Ashwini and Janvier are both interesting, well developed characters; they are each far from perfect, but their own resilience and self-acceptance gives them strength and makes them quite likeable. A cast of interesting side characters are also found throughout the story.Although the storyline touches on many of the same dark and violent themes that Angels' Blood and Kiss do, the overall tone is significantly lighter. This is due in large part, I think, to the main characters themselves. Their banter and sense of fun, as well as the kindness seen between them, gives a sense of perspective that the more solemn characters of Angels' Blood lack. Singh makes no attempt to wrap up Ashwini and Janvier's relationship in this story, although the particular "mission" is concluded. I think this was an intelligent choice, and far more satisfying than if she had tried to rush them into a happily ever after. Now I can't wait to see what adventure will bring them together next.