Allen Walker's Reviews > Pulling the Wings Off Angels

4 stars, and that only because I like Saloninus.

This is probably my least favorite Parker novella, second only to Long Game. I've said before that I'm not as big of a fan of his metaphysical/religious/philosophical works as I am the economic/political/military ones, so I pretty much knew going in it probably wasn't going to be a new favorite. That being said, it's still Parker, who is an amazing writer whose style I greatly enjoy. It also is becoming almost ridiculous to see just how many real word scientists/philosophers/playwrights/novelists etc that he can just roll into Saloninus lol.

At parts, this really felt like a screed against religion just in general, so much so that, ironic considering the book's themes, felt a bit preachy. Still, the exploration of justice in opposition to mercy and the idea of inheritance and fate is interesting as always, as well as the miserable protagonist and Saloninus his usual ludicrously brilliant (yet once again mysteriously broke) self. With his last 2 novels falling into this metaphysical category, here's hoping the next one is from the other category.

(thank you to NetGalley for the ARC)