A much more enjoyable sequel to Nylon Angel. de Pierres seems to have found her groove here. The narrative flows easier, although there are some passages that are difficult to read. Compared to Nylon Angel, however, Code Noir reads at a calmer pace, that works well and doesn't leave the reader so baffled and breathless at the end. Parrish Plessis grows through this book. While continuing to battle the Eskaalim that is getting more strength inside of her, she ventures into Dis and the Mo-Vay that live there. The language is rich when describing her venture into the unknown area. Although it is repeatedly said that Plessis doesn't care much for her appearance, I did find it very interesting when she struggles to accept an accident that befalls her towards the end of the book.Although one should definitely read Nylon Angel before starting this one, it is a lot easier to read, particular once the reader gets grasp on the world, the language usage, and an idea on the people who live there. Highly recommended.
The series continues its darkly cyberpunk nature as Parrish discovers being a warlord isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when she owes blood debt to the local Cabal. Leaving her ex-lover in charge of her territory, she goes deep into the dark heart of The Tert to find kidnapped shamans. Her inability to pass by an underdog continues as she collects an injured canrat, a python, and some more feral kids who've fallen victim to genetic experimenting. I saw a review of this series that called it Mad Max meets Dark Angel and I have to agree - but it's an enjoyable combination if you like dark, gritty, bloody cyberpunk.
