Angelopolis

July 1, 2013

In the fast-paced sequel to Trussoni's New York Times best seller Angelology, angelologist Verlaine continues to be haunted by his encounters with Evangeline, a human girl turned angel. As he combats the rising dominance of the Gregori Nephilim, their paths will cross again. In a story entangling Russia's Romanov history, modern science, and divine mysticism, listeners whirl from action sequences to unlocked secrets and back again. Trussoni takes some liberties with the traditional hierarchy of angels. Newcomers may find this confusing and should begin with the first book. Narration by Edoardo Ballerini contains numerous, believable characters and accents. VERDICT Recommended for larger collections, particularly where the author's previous work has been well received or where fans of Elizabeth Kostova abound. ["Trussoni's unevenly paced second offering is not quite up to the standards set by her debut novel. Exciting skirmishes and conflicts are dragged down by extensive historical explanations, and the introduction of a new major character falls flat. Despite the inconsistencies, devotees of Trussoni's first novel will enjoy this continuation of the crusade to save humankind," read the less enthusiastic review of the Viking hc, LJ 3/15/13.--Ed.]--Lisa Anderson, Omaha P.L.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 21, 2013
Fans of Trussoni’s well-received Angelology (2010), set in a world where angels are real, should be satisfied with this sequel, but those looking for a consistent, well-thought-out alternative universe may be disappointed. In the book’s present, art historian V.A. Verlaine, who 10 years earlier realized that his flawed vision allowed him to “see angel wings without extensive training,” witnesses a mutilated angel’s last moments as she lies dying on a Paris street in “a pool of electric blue blood.” On the body, Verlaine is disturbed to find the New York driver’s license of Evangeline Cacciatore, “the love of his life,” who had turned into the sort of rogue angel that Verlaine now hunts. This murder marks the latest chapter in a centuries-old battle between humanity and the various categories of angels. Suspenseful actions scenes compensate only in part for thin characters, contrived situations, and Verlaine’s perplexing turnaround in his attitude toward Evangeline at the end. 5-city author tour.