Impressions

With the TV Buffy-verse in turmoil, and plots getting more and more complicated, it is almost a relief to pick up an Angel novel set in what now feel like calmer times. 'Impressions' is set in from the post-Darla period, with everyone moved back into the Hyperion Hotel. The group hasn't quite come together yet, but working relationships are calm. Even if Gunn jumps every time Angel moves too quickly around him.In a far off pocket dimension an apprentice demon sneezes - really sneezes - and precipitates an artifact into Los Angeles that could cause the great demon riots of 2002 and end the world. Naturally the stone falls into the wrong hands, a group of demon priests appear to recapture the stone, and the Angel team gets caught between demons, bad guys, and a rock that threatens to change Angel back into Angelus.The result is an extended chase scene with distractions like an Angel imitator and the occupation of Caritas but a large number of terrified demons to break up the pace. Angel struggles against the influence of the stone, Gunn worries about the new neighborhood defense force he is training, and Cordelia starts having a vision an hour. There is a lot going on here, both in the Los Angeles and inside the members of the team.As you can see Doranna Durgin is a writer who likes to keep the readers attention, and she does a very good job of it. Durgin very much captures the personalities of the players and lets them unfold a but as we read. Even if Angel is really formula fiction, she shakes out the cobwebs a bit and creates something that feels a bit new. I hope she gets an opportunity to write more about Angel before the sun finally rises on my favorite vampire horse opera.

Not the best of the Angel novels, but it held my interest. Anytime I get to read about Angel fighting to keep his evil alter-ego at bay, makes for an interesting story. Not that the story was gripping, but I always enjoy the camaraderie between Angel and friends. Especially when it's tense and strained as displayed in this novel.

Durgin knows these characters inside and out -- you can tell from the moment you start reading. Every move, every voice is perfect. Add a fast, exciting plot, a nice touch of mystery (with delightfully gruesome demons), and wonderful moments of humor to the mix and you have a book I highly recommend to every Angel fan. I hope she writes more!