In a frozen, post-apocalyptical world it’s cop Eric Homen’s, and his rookie partner Irene Kelnoch’s, job to run off vermin sneaking in through the barriers protecting the icy outpost of Snowvault. It’s an important role, because if they don’t succeed these vermin could quickly attract far more dangerous beasts, and that would cause the populace a major headache.
Left alone to their own devices the pair spend their time patrolling this icy, snow-covered landscape in a hired and battered old truck. But Irene has a gift, a kind of internal radar that can sense magical anomalies – not that there’s much magic left in this wintery world.
During one such patrol Irene’s psychic radar shoots off the scale and, investigating, they come across an avial by the name of Syfael, kind of a good angel who’s been changed to almost human form – except for his wings. But all hell lets loose when they take him back to their station. A local crime syndicate distracts most of the cops and sends hired killer Lornt to break Syfael out, so that they can use him for their own ends.
Realising their situation is hopeless our weary heroes decide to take Syfael to the last gateway, so that he can return to the Shining Lands from where he came.
During their journey they intend stopping at another outpost, known as Lost Vigil, where Eric used to live. From there the plan is to take an icebreaker across a frozen river and then on to the gateway. But on their way they are set on by the Fallen responsible for Syfael’s predicament in the first place, and are pursued by Lornt, who’s determined to return Syfael to Snowvault and the criminal gang.
Soul, Light, And Wings is one of those rare books that I can honestly say I could hardly put down. Spencer’s characters and world-building creates a marvellous and believable future-scape, where you quickly find yourself rooting for the good guys. An astonishing vision of monsters, magic, of angel against fallen angel and cops against bad guys. It’s a tale of courage and hope, all set in a frozen and desperate future.
This novel was an absolute pleasure to read, one that left me with a warm feeling. Highly recommended.
