I do feel the narrative could be tighter in places, as at times it is melodramatic and repetitive. I particularly enjoy his descriptions of the crumbling streets in the battle scarred towns. For me, Bat El is the character that I found the least credible, her change in personality and behaviour didn’t track for me.Īrenson’s imagery for both character and place are detailed and evocative. Neither is Beezlebub a being of evil, but instead a creature motivated by revenge and bitterness for what he feels is an unjust punishment, who is also capable of a suprising charm, and affection for the women in his life. They may believe that they are fighting on the side of right but recognise their hypocrisy. The angels, including Michael and Gabriel are not only righteous avengers but are also flawed with an odd vulnerability. Arenson has humanised the iconic symbols of good and evil to communicate his basic premise that neither people nor situations are inherently, nor completely, good or evil. Arenson portrays both Leila’s internal and external conflict well, through both thought and behaviour.Īs a half breed, Leila emphasises the schizm that is present in all of Arenson’s characters. Leila’s desires are seemingly simple, a wish for acceptance and belonging, but her very nature means that this will always be denied despite her admirable struggle to achieve this aim. Leila’s bleak and lonely existence provokes a sympathetic response from the reader, even while she proves she is more than able to take care of herself. After twenty seven years, weary from the unforgiving conflict, both sides hope that Leila will deliver them victory.īanished from God’s grace and abandoned by Hell, Leila searches for a place to call home among the wasteland that is Earth. However as the battle rages, the distinction between good and evil blurs, epitomised by the dual nature of Leila, a half angel, half demon.

Status: Read from November 16 to 22, 2010 - I own a copyįlaming Dove is a dark fantasy that pits angels against demons in the battle for supremacy on earth.

Flaming Dove by Daniel Arenson