Iron Angel (Deepgate Codex, Book 2)

Almost as good as the first book in the series. The only thing that made me like it a bit less than the first book is that it suffers from middle-book-syndrome, but that's perfectly understandable. The scope widens out to take in more of the world and the global situation that we weren't aware of in the first book. It really has to, in order to tell a story that is worth filling three books with, but that makes it different from the first book which was pretty concentrated on a few characters, locations and events.

I can't decide if I liked this book better than Scar Night (the first in the series), or less. Let me start by saying I read Iron Angel from cover to cover in one long marathon session. For some reason I could just not put it down! I wanted to know what happened to the characters, especially Dill. While Dill has yet to live up to any of my expectations, I can't help but feel incredibly sorry for him. He barely knows what he is, much less who. This book has several scenes that are more bizarre than they are necessary, going from strange to laughable. While this didn't hamper my overall enjoyment of the book, it definitely pulled me out of the story at times. Carnival is barely in this book, so big fans of hers will be disappointed. Much of the book surrounds new characters who, while are interesting, aren't harrowing enough to carry the plot on their own. Overall I would say that I liked this book, and would recommend it to fans of Scar Night.

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.

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.

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.