Angel by Gaberial Duncan

[JamesSavik]

Review of Angel

 

This is a difficult read- not at all like the typical, happy go lucky romps that you find in most gay fiction.

 

Difficult on several levels. Difficult as it demands the readers undivided attention and only rewards him in porportion with the energy that he has invested. Difficult as the emotions that it invokes are disturbing and raw. Difficult because most people are used to having their art and literature delivered comfortably and gently. Angel is an abrupt and brutal SLAP in the face.

 

The shifts in POV in the story are unusual. Sometimes gentle and sometimes jolting, these changes of perspective broadens and adds to the experience. As an author, I find myself looking at this literary device and thinking: don't try this at home kids, this guy is a professional.

 

Just as it is easy to get to know and like the characters, it is just as hard to confront the reality of protagonists situation. His innocence stands in stark contrast to the horror. You want to turn away yet, you find yourself transfixed like an observer to some disaster unfolding before your eyes.

 

Angel forces the reader into an uncomfortable place. To some it will be just a dark story. To others, it is an acknowlegement of the darkness of our existance and experience. Angel does not lay out a nice, linear story. It is disturbing and jolting with jagged edges and dangerous contrasts that can easily draw blood.

 

This is not a story to be read on a lark. Pack your lunch. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll need it. It is a rough ride through a dark and dangerous landscape.

 

Mr. Duncan is without a doubt a very talented and rising star of the genre.

 

 

Link to Angel

 

 

 

My Rating:

[WVSailor]

I'm in the midst of reading the story, it's excellent! I'm on chapter 17 and can't wait to read the next. I don't know if it's posted to completion, but Chapter 30 is up!

 

I agree! Definately

 

:thumbup:

[rockyhi2005]

~~~~~~~~ NOTICE ~~~~~~~~

This is a SPOILER!!!!! If you have not read the story PLEASE --------- PLEASE, GO NO FURTHER!!!!!

Fair warning --- OK?

 

Last week I downloaded the story and finished reading it a few days ago. Plus, a reread of the last 10 chapters. Yes, this story can be a dark read. But, I found it riveting, very well written and well worth the intensely challenging read. BUT, --- the ending has my brain smashed up against a brick wall!! Good thing I am not a detective as I would now be unemployed. I have been considering doing a reread of the entire story. I am sure that I must have missed something the first time.

 

*now places smashed brain and head on chopping block*

 

The author mentions 5 bodies at the ending --

[Guest rusticmonk86]

WARNING: This is the AUTHOR'S reply to the SPOILER'S comments. If you haven't read the whole thing, don't read this. If you don't care, go ahead, I won't stop you.

 

 

 

I told you who died. It's all in "So Here It Is".

 

These are excerpts. I meant for that chapter to be confusing. I was actually going to make it earlier on. But I decided to leave it at the end, because I wasn't finished yelling at you (the reader) yet.

 

Okay, so you've read the ending. You've re-read it. Make sense out of these clips and phrases. The game's afoot, Watson. . . .

 

BTW, "Les