Lives of Bitter Rain

We only have so many books in us, and an author may just not have the time to experiment with different formats or genres, unless they are very prolific. They do not come much more prolific than Adrian Tchaikovsky, a writer who dabbles in various types of genre fiction, always bringing high quality. This is an author who created the The Tyrant Philosophers series, itself an experimental collection of fantasy novels set in the same world, but that can be read independently. Enter into this series, Lives of Bitter Rain, a novella that spans decades of Angilly’s life, from the tragic events of her childhood, through to her influencing the politics of entire continents. 

As a youth Angilly had no issue with the Pallean way of life. With both her parents brutally murdered in a magical terrorist attack, Angilly found herself in a state-run orphanage on course to become an adequate cog in the Pal war machine. This suited Angilly just fine, but not her aunt. Lives is a series of pivotal movements in Angilly’s life that take her from adequate to exceptional. 

As a lover of epic fantasy, I am perfectly fine with a 600-page opus that covers various characters and storylines, but I am also partial to something faster and focused. Lives is able to balance the epic and succinct in one 123-page novella, by not only focusing on one character, but by just focusing on the key moments. Therefore, years of lesser activity are passed over between chapters. 

Therefore, this is a book focused on the rapid development of Angilly. We do not get the training montages, or teenage angst, instead we get mere glimpses of both and more concentration on actions and adventures that pushed her character forwards. To the reader it feels that Angilly’s rise is rapid, but in reality, each promotion comes years apart. 

Witnessing Angilly grow is fun as she is an interesting character. She is a cynical character who does not seem to fit in with the Pal philosophy, but then you get the impression that few, but the true believers, do. She is perfect in her role as one of the Pals sent out to unconquered lands to soften them up with a few coins dropped here, a whispered word there. 

A wonderful byproduct of following Angilly sporadically through time is that you also get a whistlestop tour of the Tyrant Philosophers' world. Angilly has been stationed in several different countries over the years, with their own ways of doing things. You get a great sense of the melting pot that is this world, but also the balance and uniformity that the Pals wish to bring to it all. 

The world and character of Angilly are brought to life in quality fashion by Tchaikovsky’s writing. This is not an author who talks down to their reader. There is elegant prose to understand and complex politics to uncover, but it is all very readable. The time jump format is perfect for giving the story a pacy feel; it feels like being rushed through an exotic food market, getting a whiff of new spices or a taste of new delights before you are moved on. For a deeper dive pick you another in the series, House of Open Wounds, is as good a start as any – a fantastic read.