I'm a huge fan of dystopian novels. If you've ever read "Fahrenheit 451" or "1984," then you will notice some similar elements in "The Angel of the City." I even noticed a little "nod" to the Bible and the Book of Revelations in that that all of the people in the city are marked at birth with a tattoo on their inner arm and can't buy anything without it. However, these similarities are in no way a copy-cat. I appreciate references like that because it gives me something to think about. And, where the classics of the genre were clearly written in an age without the technology of today, this book utilizes modern advancements to further control the society. For example, people have little chips embedded inside them, and scanners posted through the city read these chips to keep track of the citizens and enforce curfew.

Two things really stood out for me with this book: the main character doesn't have a name, and the ending isn't wrapped up with a tidy happily-ever-after. I think it's fitting that we don't learn the main character's name until the end because he's a "shade." A shade is someone who has had their chip removed, so in the eyes of the government, they just don't exist. As far as the ending goes, the characters are living in the worst possible environment with no hope for a better life. A sweet, sappy ending wouldn't fit the book, and in my opinion, the end leaves some room for reader interpretation, something else I love.

Fair warning-at times this book is rather dark with images some might find disturbing. Also, there are a few editing issues, but I don't feel they were distracting in any way. Overall, a really good book!

In this dystopian future action noir thriller a former counselor (aka SS-style policeman) has the tracking device implanted in his brain removed by a back alley surgeon... and forms a new life as a "shade" and thief who lives on the fringes of society. Then things get interesting.

I enjoy dystopian sci-fi and this story was right up my alley. The story has well fleshed out characters, solid action and a gritty, grim setting that fit the story perfectly. The city that this takes place in is well imagined and perhaps plausible from what I know of human nature. And the ending is perfect for the dark tone of the story. There are twists and turns yet I found the story easy to follow.

Plus it was well edited with no typos found.

Highly recommended, especially for fans of dystopian sci-fi.