Review: “Inside Outside Part 2 – Black Wings: The Death Angel & A Seraph”
Another exhilarating, swift bloodlust thrill of a futuristic sci-fi romance
This was my tenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. In this case, the author sought me out and asked me to review her trilogy, and after reading the synopsis I was intrigued. This review also appears on Reedsy.
If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.
The Premise
This second part of the Black Wings series features the daughter of Part 1‘s Olivia and Jace, named Piper. She and Riley, the son of Part 1’s antagonist Shanty, have been enemies practically since they were born. As young assassins in training, they are fiercely combative to a fault. But behind their ceaseless competitive battles is a profound love for each other, which only intensifies as they get older.
Like Piper’s parents, she and Riley are not officially “matched” by the World Committee, so their relationship is forbidden. When the evil villain Drakeson claims Piper as his approved partner, she responds to his vicious attacks with the unleashed power of a death angel, and he is no match for her. Forced to flee before her actions are discovered, Piper is on the run. Riley must find her before it is too late, even if it means also putting himself in danger.
The Pros & Cons
As its first instalment in this series, this was another exhilarating, swift, bloodlust thrill of a futuristic sci-fi romance.
The love between the two main characters has been building for over a decade before it pivots swiftly into something more:
He knows Piper as if she is an extension of his own body. They have been in constant conflict since they could barely walk and fought each other for so many years that there can no longer be a winner.
For those who enjoyed the steamy scenes in Book 1, the older couple’s entanglements don’t hold a candle to their daughter’s enflamed heart, body and soul:
They are no longer playing, no longer fooling around. Control is fast disappearing, and the flames are burning white-hot.
The flames that were licking in the pit of her stomach have again burst into a giant furnace; the heat is all-consuming, demanding release. Piper’s body has taken on a life of its own and is writhing and urgent, clamoring for his.
Beyond the sexual theme, the precise rapid-fire bursts of narrative keep us focused on the action, leaving us cringing from the bloody blows inflicted on our protagonists, and lifting our hearts when they turn the tables to deliver their own swift justice:
It is against everything they are to be the ones skulking in the shadows and cowering in the dark. They are Death Angels; they are the ones to be feared. ”
We are going to leave a trail of death and blood, one that will encourage our friends and plant fear and panic into our enemies.” A good pep talk, mom.
As Piper and Riley fight their way back to each other, they are supported by friends, family members and allies along the way. I enjoyed experiencing the adult versions of our Book 1 couple, now the parents of this indomitable assassin. Even among the endless killings, there were moments of levity as Olivia and Jace shook their heads at the teenagers, and (knowing their own history) we smile along with them: Ah, to be young and in love… with a fellow killer.
The intensity of Piper and Riley’s emotion underscores the swift pace of the novel, and is complemented by the villain’s nefarious activities of corruption. While I did wish for a bit more of a twist, it wasn’t really necessary here. There was more than enough to engage, entertain and enthral all your senses. The novel takes you on the entire rollercoaster of emotions, with a hard slam into its satisfying end.
Conclusion
There is a lot to love about this series, but mostly I am thrilled by the powerful women at its helm. Despite the attacks on their bodies, they are survivors who demand their revenge on those who wronged them. Though love is an underlying theme, and the sexual relationships are described with sumptuous splendour, there is so much more in which to indulge. I highly recommend to both male and female adult readers, and I look forward to the final chapter, as there was an amazing introduction to the character who will take it home.
