Angel Rising – Dirk Flinthart
Twelfth Planet Press, 2008
53 pages
RRP: AU$10
ISBN: 978-0-9804841-1-3

Reviewed by Liz Grzyb

Angel Rising is a novella set in the world of New Ceres, a human colony that has embraced the social rules of 17th Century Earth, and rejected or at least regulated all modern technologies. However, no prior knowledge of this world is necessary for enjoyment of Flinthart’s contribution to the New Ceres group story.

On first hearing about this shared world-building of New Ceres from Twelfth Planet Press, most wouldn’t be thinking about ninjas, electric eel DNA and militant nuns. However, action-lovers will be happy that this is what Flinthart delivers, with wit as sharp as  main character Gordon’s illegally updated sword-stick. George Gordon is a Proctor of New Ceres, protecting it from outside and inner rebellion. When he is thrust into a situation involving a shape-shifter, an amnesiac girl and off-world invaders, things get slightly sticky.

At 53 pages, Angel Rising is a quick, invigorating read, with swordplay, technology and frock-coats.