Une immersion bien passionnante dans le monde de l'urban fantasy moderne Matthew SWIFT (le sorcier) n'existe que par et pour cette ville (Londres)celle que l'on refuse de voir, celle des rats et des pigeons, des néons, des mendiants, des graffitis, du métro, des sortilèges urbains et donc contemporains. Fi du sorcier à la Gandalf (que j'admire et respecte) avec son bâton , sa barbe longue et ses formules latines Un livre qui parlera aux citadins dans l'âme pour qui la banlieue c'est déjà un autre univers ... L'auteur nous emporte de trouvailles en trouvailles en distillant une véritable philosophie urbaine ponctuée de ces phrases qu'on a envie de souligner et de relire tant elles résument clairement ce qui restait à la marge de nos consciences Elle nous introduit au fur et à mesure avec des personnages, déités modernes, particulièrement bien trouvés (le bicker, lady bag etc) Un des grands atouts du livre est aussi et surtout - à mon humble avis - son style. L'écriture parfois presque poétique (dans le bon sens) le rend unique Mme GRIFFIN ne va pas dans la facilité, évite les clichés habituels du genre. Les descriptions, les dialogues, sont imagés précis polis L'utilisation de la double personnalité (I vs We) est une trouvaille simplement magnifique, très habilement utilisée pour intriguer et inquiéter le lecteur Sans oublier des combats contre la force adverse extrêmement bien emmenés, nerveux ou lents en tout cas, très visuels.Je n'ai pas mis 5 étoiles uniquement parce que je n'ai pas lu - n'étant jusqu'ici que peu attiré par le genre- beaucoup d'ouvrages dans le même univers me permettant de comparer. Mais c'est un authentique 'coup de cœur' A Madness of Angels is written by Kate Griffin which is a pen name for Catherine Webb, a successful Young Adult author. This is her first adult fantasy novel and the first in series. I really, really, really wanted to like this book but had an extremely hard time finishing it. I almost gave up about half-way through but was able to find the strength to make it to the end.Essentially, this is a tale of revenge. Matthew Swift, our anti-hero, was taken in by the talented magician Robert Bakker when he was very young. Mr. Bakker tutored young master Swift into his adolescence in the secrets of magic. Eventually, Mr. Bakker begins to suffer from the typical aliments that happen when you age and he is not ready to pass quietly in the night. Mr. Bakker formulates a nefarious plan to extend his life. You see, Matthew has very special talent as he is of the few that can hear the Blue Angels inside the phone lines. Mr. Bakker is aware of this talent and demands that Matthew draw out the Blue Angels so that he can use them to his benefit. Matthew is unwilling to obey with his request. No one ever refuses a request from Mr. Bakker and in response he sends a dark magical creature to kill Matthew. As expected, things do not go well for Matthew and as he lies dying, he picks up the phone and suddenly disappears. Fast forward two years, Matthew Swift suddenly returns to the world of the living and he is pissed. He also brought another entity back with him that is extremely powerful and dangerous. The only problem is that over the same two years Robert Bakker has built an empire called the Tower. He has surrounded himself with powerful magicians and an army. Bakker has become the godfather of the magical universe. As with any empire, there are enemies and Matthew must find some way to form alliance with these dissidents in order to help him get his revenge.The essence of a solid urban fantasy story exists inside this novel but it takes way too long to get things moving. There are some really fresh and creative ideas that Ms. Griffin develops in her book. She explores several other magical communities, such as the Beggars, the Whites, the Bikers and the anti-magic group called the Cult. All these groups exist inside the confines of London. Ms. Griffin does a good job of building a believable magical world. For me, the real problem has to do with the writing style. Ms. Griffin tends to over write almost every aspect of this novel. Too much time is spent describing every sight, smell and sound of each and every part of London. After awhile this just becomes tiresome and sucks out any momentum. At points it became so tedious that I gave consideration of putting it on the shelf of shame (where books go when I cannot take it anymore). I’m glad I stuck it out and finished the novel. There are so many interesting aspects to the story but it is dragged down by a tiring writing style. I will likely pick up the next book in the series in hopes the prose is crisper and the story is allowed to shine through.
What do You think about Madness Of Angels (2009)?
Urban fantasy done right, along with some lovely imagery.
—EIMAN
I enjoyed it. I'll check out the others in the series.
—SaE
