Story: A
Prose: A
Characters: B-
World: B
Theme(s): A
Enjoyment: B

The Good:
- Smooth writing: Parker's style is readable, highly conversational, and personable.
- Smooth reading: Between the smooth prose and the laser sharp focus of the plot, which is always moving forward, Angels is a quick and smooth reading experience.
- Entertaining: It's clever, something interesting is always happening, and it's often tongue-in-cheek or outright funny.
- Questions flaws in systems: The protagonist is in an interesting predicament. His grandfather committed the sin of capturing and harming an angel, but his soul was spared for other reasons. So the protagonist has inherited the debt and the sin. He can't repent or ask for forgiveness, because he's technically done nothing to deserve it. On the flipside, he was born into wealth and comfort, which is pointed out, he has also done nothing to deserve.


The Bad:
- There's one (1) female character, the titular angel. She has no name and spends the entire story in a cage.
- "Saloninus, the most brilliant genius whoever lived." Used to avoid explaining how some things work. It's repeated often, by various characters, and it got annoying tbh.
- Just-Go-With-It-Worldbuilding: Honestly more of a YMMV. We get enough snippets and insights about how the world functions, but it IS still a novella, so there isn't any hand-holding or much explaining. This style of worldbuilding won't suit every reading.
- Protagonist is kind of a self-serving ass. Again, another YMMV. He's supposed to be this way and he succeeds in his role! But some readers prefer strongly likeable characters.

Fun, compelling, clever, and immensely readable. I couldn't set it down once I started. I've never read any of Parker's works before, and after reading Angels I'm very interested in checking them out.

This was another great novella from Parker. Like usual, I enjoyed the writing style, wit, and philosophical musings. The length was perfectly fine, but I also would have kept reading more. In general I would love to read a full length novel with more of the religious, mystical themes including demons and angels. I think that all books with more of this focus rather than politics have all been short stories, so it would be interesting to see a longer more developed work with these ideas.

ARC provided by Tor Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review

This book has so few redeeming qualities I barely know where to begin. Normally I wouldn't write a review this negative, but I feel some obligation to uphold the whole idea of the ARC.

In short: the characters are flat to the point that they all have the exact same voice, the narration is cringe-worthy, the author is so self-assured of their cleverness and wit that the entire thing comes off as smug, and what was branded as "brimming with ethical quandaries" and a "whirlwind theological paradox" offers nothing beyond first-year level philosophy.

Anything that brings religion or faith into question immediately has my attention. I think it's one of the best things to debate and argue or even just touch on in a novel and makes for wonderful story telling. That being said, this didn't quite hit the mark for me. It fell flat. The writing, though pretty good, felt very coincidental rather than 'likely'. While realizing it's fiction, I do prefer to have a sense of believability. I didn't particularly care about any of the characters either. However, there is a group of people that I could absolutely see enjoying the novella. I don't think it's bad, I think it's a matter of personal preference.

This was my first KJ Parker read, and I'm sorry to say I was disappointed. It felt far too edgy-for-sake-edgy, and had far too much Christopher Hitchens-esque "God sucks." I'm not a religious person, but the way that God was portrayed (as almost reveling in the unfairness of the world he created) just grated like the bad old days when reddit was dominated by /r/atheism.

I'm assured by people whose opinions I respect that Parker/Holt is worth reading, so I might in the future, but it's not going to be a priority.

Pulling the Wings of Angels by KJ Parker


A while back, I became a big fan of K. J. Parker. It started when I read an eARC of A Practical Guide to Conquering the World by K.J. Parker and loved it! It was grabby (in a “can’t put this book down” kind of way) and it was thoroughly enjoyable. I said I’d be looking out for more books by K. J. Parker and I later really enjoyed an eARC of the Long Game, which was a delightful book! After that, I went back and read Sixteen Ways to Defend A Walled City, which was also wonderful. Parker’s books that I have read have been first person tales whose protagonists are usually clever bastards (in a thoroughly enjoyable manner). The protagonist of Pulling the Wings of Angels is no different - a lackluster seminary student who starts off the book in debt to his loan shark, who wants to exploit the protagonist’s family legend of a captured Angel. I don’t want to spoil the plot, which was full of delightful surprises. This book, like some of Parker’s that I have read, does not seem to have heard of the existence of women. Otherwise, I have no complaints. This novella was a treat from beginning to end! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you enjoy a writing style that includes witty dialogue, engaging characters, and religious commentary (along the same lines as Prosper's Demon), then I would recommend this book to you. K.J. Parker excels at packing so much content into such a small amount of space that you're surprised you could read it in a sitting. Since this is a novella, it isn't a full literary meal, but it is satisfying... kinda like a Snickers. The story is good, the concept is awesome, and the execution is a fast-paced, black comedy that simultaneously entertains and, on occasion, offers a fruitful message or question. Nothing preachy. Ever. Just enough first-person moral dilemmas in the material to make the reader go, "Hmmm..." And if you're already a fan of K.J. Parker's world, there is plenty here for you to have fun and nerd out over.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a chance to read the ARC!

World building:
The devolved sections of world building were very interesting— almost historical in nature with a twist of fantasy. The problem with the world building was that, in general, there was very little. Hints of a larger world were mentioned but never built on.

Pacing:
The pacing was the major flaw of the novel in my opinion. The story was being told to the reader by the main character in a future time which gave the author a way to easily time jump and skip over portions of the story — which he did. Many times throughout the book the main character would jump from an engaging scene to an explanation of how days, weeks, or years had passed in a paragraph or two. In fact, the book ends with the main character describing the climax of the story in a few paragraphs after telling the reader a large time jump occurred. If the author had altered the pacing, focusing more of the story on plot and world building, the book should have been a full length novel.

Writing:
Overall, I found the writing to be mature and enjoyable. The author gives vivid descriptions and drops hints of world building in with ease.
Favorite quotes:
“That’s the thing about belief, you can’t make yourself do it. It’s like falling asleep or being in love. You can lie there all night desperately wanting to go to sleep, and the more you want the more it doesn’t happen. You can really, really want to believe, but if you don’t you just don’t.”
“Yes, it’s unfair,” she said. “Who ever said anything about it being fair? Mercy isn’t fair, it means someone getting away with what he did because the Boss feels sorry for him. Justice is fair. Justice puts people in prison. Mercy lets them out again. Of course mercy isn’t fair. It’s breaking all the rules.” She smiled at me. “Which one would you rather have, justice or mercy?”
My only complaint about the writing was the dialogue. Although this book takes place in a fantasy world inspired by medieval Europe, the characters use modern-day slang. It removed me from the story multiple times.

I have mixed feelings about this novella. I think the author is great at his craft. The writing is quick and witty, the pacing is great, and the structure and plot worked well. Unfortunately for me this exercise in theology and philosophy fell flat. There were some points I found well-aimed and quite clever, but overall outcome felt to me like talking to an atheist who was never religious. Like yes the points are good, but it's not nearly as brilliant and groundbreaking as you think. Overall it's okay, and I had a good time reading it, but it was frustrating at times and probably won't stay with me fore more than a week.

It should come as no surprise to long-time readers of CR that I am a huge fan of K. J. Parker’s novellas and short fiction. As soon as I read the synopsis for Pulling the Wings Off Angels, I was eager to read it. I was lucky enough to get a DRC a while ago, and read it right away. I’m very happy to report that it is classic Parker; I really enjoyed this.

If you’re a fan of Parker’s novellas already (and/or his longer novels), then I’d be surprised if you hadn’t already pre-ordered this. If you haven’t, I think you’ll find everything that makes Parker’s work so good: the characters are brought to life on the page, their dialogue witty and observations sharp. There are some interesting discussions and examinations of theology, belief, ambition, and much more. All of Parker’s favourite topics, and always interesting. It’s a quintessentially K. J. Parker novella.

The story moves at a good pace, but it’s by no means rushed. The author unrolls the story nicely, and we learn more as the protagonist does. There are a few nods to Parker’s other works, and some familiar faces make an appearance — however, it’s not essential to have read everything else in order to enjoy this book. The author’s bibliographic universe is a great setting, and with each novella he adds more layers and expands our mental map of his world.

I really don’t know how to review this without spoiling the story. (Always a challenge with novellas.) Needless to say, it’s superbly written, wryly humorous, and tightly plotted, Pulling the Wings Off Angels is a great novella.

Very highly recommended. I’ll read anything Parker writes.

Once again I'm reminded that I need to read more K. J. Parker books. Thank you Tor and Netgalley for the ARC.

Ever read something that hits something in your life juuuuust right? As a kid I read scripture and asking questions about it was the fastest way to get out of church. Basic premise, a student in the clergy owes a lot of money to a person you don't want to owe a cent to. But the gangster asks for a favor involving a rumor about the angel his grandfather supposedly kidnapped way back. Feeling actually forgiven?

Don't want to say too much, but this was a treat and I wish I could give it to some older religious folks I've met but they'd explode.

Reasons to read:
-It tickles those theological arguments I still enjoy
-So many good lines
-Tickles my brand of humor
-One and done, enjoy it and pass it on

Cons:
-Sunday School flashbacks

<b>thank you to tor and netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book!</b>

you say 'k.j. parker novella' and i come RUNNING. this was absolutely excellent, and i can't believe i'm saying this, but parker just gets better and better. the scope of his books are immense, but the characters make it feel like something we've always known.

i think my favourite part of this book were the theological discussions. i love the way god was discussed; it felt like my inner conflicts about such an nuanced topic were laid bare on the page. the elements of humour in this made sure it was never dry or preach-y either, which made it an absolute joy to read.

i will always pick up k.j. parker novellas and this is just another in his list of 10s.

</b>thank you again to tor and netgalley!</b>

Probably more of a 3.5

I think I reasonably knew what I was getting into because I've read the author's The Long Game, but I also didn't read the premise in detail and got attracted by that catchy title.

I don't wanna give away much by detailing the plot or the characters here but if you are truly looking for a short read that's philosophical, with lots of discussions about theology, faith, sin and repentance, and just what it takes to believe in a higher power. I've been questioning my own faith for a while now, so reading this book and grappling with the questions raised in these pages felt like an interesting exercise for me.

Unfortunately, there's not much going on plot wise. So, I know I probably won't remember the very flimsy world building or the not so memorable characters, but I definitely will remember what this book made me think. Just go in with an open mind and maybe not too many expectations.

TL;DR

Pulling the Wings Off Angels by K.J. Parker is an excellent novella that will keep you glued to the page. Florio, a thug, is looking for an angel, and he found a man with one in the family. Highly recommended.

Disclaimer: The publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Any and all opinions that follow are mine alone.

Review: Pulling the Wings Off Angels by K.J. Parker

Fiction is an excellent medium for asking Big, Unknowable Questions. The limitless aspect of the human imagination allows us to ponder questions that we can’t answer in the real world. Finding an angel or sitting on a bench with God just isn’t something done outside the imagination (as far as I know). But fiction allows us to do just that; it gives us space to pose Big Questions and then attempt to answer them. K.J. Parker does just that in his latest novella for Tor.com. Pulling the Wings Off Angels treads into some theological musings while the narrator tries to save his own skin. The threat of death is just the beginning as our narrator tries to save his soul from eternal damnation in this fun, philosophical novella. Pulling the Wings Off Angels by K.J. Parker doesn’t disappoint.

Pulling the Wings Off Angels opens with an unnamed narrator being tortured by a gangster named Florio. The narrator owes a lot of money, like enough to buy a warship. But Florio is willing to wipe the slate clean if the narrator gets him an angel. (Yes, an angel’s worth is surprisingly low.) An old tale that’s spread around is that the narrator’s grandfather trapped an angel. While some take it literally, the narrator thinks its a metaphor for how his grandfather met his grandmother. The narrator, however, is wrong. On his family’s estate, in a hidden room, there’s an angel. And she’s pissed. Florio wants to be king. The narrator simply wants to live and not go to Hell. Thus begins a quest that deals more in philosophical aspects of religion than expected. Parker muses on concepts like true repentance, forgiveness, God’s omniscience, and the concept of sins of the father passing on to his children.

Pulling the Wings Off Angels is a first person Point of View novella that relies heavily on absurdity and philosophical musings. Parker balances both in such a way as to keep the reader glued to the page. This is a short work of fiction, listed as 144 pages, and I think that’s the right length. This was a fun, philosophical story.

Religion

Religion is a touchy subject, and people take criticism of it personally. To be fair, a lot of criticism of religion comes from snarky, condescending people. Parker, however, has treated religion fairly. Parts of Pulling the Wings Off Angels are absurd, but nowhere in the story does Parker make it seem like religion is absurd. He critiques some of the rules. He criticizes some of the arbitrariness of it. But he never dismisses it.

Will this book piss off some religious people? Of course. But, to me – obviously, Parker handled this sensitive subject with respect, even if the ending is a gut punch.

Characters

The shorter the story, the less time an author has for character development. Parker pulls off great development in this novella. By the end, readers see multiple sides of Florio and of the narrator. I can’t say that I liked either of them by the end, but they felt like real people doing the best they can in life.

Florio is the better character in this story. He’s a thug who thinks he can put one over on God. It’s never clear if he did or didn’t, and I liked that. Whereas the narrator feels a bit like a human chess piece – guided by forces largely out of his control, Florio has agency and is following his own path.

A Larger World

Parker has set Pulling the Wings Off Angels in a world reminiscent of renaissance Italy. This book looks to be in the same world as, at least, one of his previous novellas for Tor.com. It looks like this takes place in the same world as The Devil You Know and maybe Prosper’s Demon and Inside Man. I haven’t read any of those, but now I want to. I hope they’re in the same world because I enjoyed the world building Parker did here.

Conclusion

K.J. Parker’s Pulling the Wings Off Angels packs many big ideas into one little story. The philosophy and characters strain at the seams of the novella. This is a book with a lot to say in a very entertaining way. Highly recommended.

Pulling the Wings Off Angels by K.J. Parker is available from Tor.Com on November 15th, 2022.

That crafty old philosopher/bastard Saloninus is behind the situation detailed by the disillusioned, ironic and hapless theologian student who is the narrator of this wry tale about a guy who needs to get an angel for the loan shark the narrator owes money to. As the tale progresses,we get a discussions about theology, secularism, determinism, personal responsibility and belief, as the hapless narrator and a trapped angel discuss god and the narrator's family history.

K.J. Parker takes us through what could have been dry and dusty philosophy, but the story is told with Parker’s wit and humour.

I wondered while reading, as Saloninus was in this story, and there was a mention of the Hus, whether this story was happening on the periphery of some of the lands in Parker’s “The Siege” series. Not that it’s critical to one’s enjoyment of this novella. If you like philosophical discussions about religion etc., with much skewering of unexamined belief, then this is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Macmillan-Tor/Forge for this ARC in exchange for my review.



Thank you to Netgalley and to Macmillan-Tor/Forge for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Ended up tearing through this in the space of two nights. This is a fun theological black comedy that shows just how nasty God can be, and there's some really fantastic time travel shenanigans and legal loopholes as a young fucked seminary student becomes even more existentially fucked as the novel goes on. Black as hell and definitely worth picking up when it comes out in November.

I'm a fan of K.J. Parker's stories and find their cheeky, too-clever and morally ambiguous protagonists charming usually. But this particular protagonist felt a little repetitive in that sense and quite shallow. There was a lack of emotional depth and the wryly delivered plot felt lacking and altogether rushed at the end. Unfortunately not my favorite Parker experience.

I was given an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story is a little heartbreaking and a little maddening, and I'm still parsing out how I feel about it. I really enjoyed how the author leaned into how unreliable the narrator is. I liked how the angel was brought into the story and how her wings and mere existence was utilized to demonstrate both theological and human themes that are most likely above my head. There were also a few lines from Parker that really had me sitting back in my seat and letting them sink in and work with my worldview. The prose is definitely a plus. I've seen other people talking about humor, but for me the humor of this book did not personally land and only lent to the narrator being a difficult person to empathize/sympathize with. The ideas of inherited sin and the ultimate question of free will/determinism were well-executed, if mildly frustrating coming from a reader who is very anti-fate. I don't think this book will be for everybody, but if you're interested in theological/philosophical debates, this one is for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tordotcom for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars rounded up because it hit a lot of notes for me.

KJ Parker is impossibly funny in a morbid, absurdist way. Pulling the Wings Off Angels reminded me of Prosper's Demon (which I drawn into with the blurb of "if you put Deadpool into the Witcher Geralt") but if you made it explicitly about religion. I loved this novella, and it was so funny and excellent, and I fully recognize that this is because the themes it touches on and the way it engages with them works for me. I have a long history of engaging with media that questions the existence and necessity of God (or gods), and I like when fiction goes in this direction. Still, I know a lot of people are not into that, which is fine! This tiny little novella talks a lot about free will, sin, repentance, agency, and so on and so forth in a deeply religious context and lens in an extremely caustic tone, which is not everyone's cup of tea! But it sure is mine!

In so many words, a pretty Regular Dude is forced to help a gangster kidnap an angel, and then in the process is roped into another scheme to kill God. This sounds like a lot for a novella, but Parker makes it work. I loved his use of the first person to, as though the narrator is giving some sort of deeply twisted confessional, and I loved the voices of the Angel and of God and even Florio, the gangster. I do think at times the narrator reads as though he's a regular guy trapped in a horror movie begging to be freed, but that's also an extremely entertaining angle for me.

As always I both acknowledge that this works wonderfully as a novella while simultaneously wanting to beg Parker for a full novel length story, because though he handled his themes and ideas brilliantly, I am awfully greedy and wish it went deeper. It was clever and though provoking and at times a little gruesome, but overall really, really good.

This was my first foray into KJ Parker's writing. Although this is a standalone novella, it pulls in Saloninus, a character from his previous works.

Personally, the religious/metaphysical back and forth about fairness, etc. got to be very repetitive. Ultimately it was a quick read that left me feeling indifferent about the characters and borderline irritated at the preachy/"moral of the story" vibes.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.