The Anger of Angels
Sherryl Jordan
Walker Books Australia
pub. 2018

03 March, 2021

“Words hold a terrible power, your Grace. A word can break a heart, or give it a reason to live. A word can grant freedom or life, or begin a war – or end one…”

The Anger of Angels is a book written by Sherryl Jordan in September 2018 and published by Walker Books Australia. The story is set in South Italy, showcasing the life of a girl and her father who is the Duke’s Jester. Our main character, Giovanna, is a single child living with her father Ennio. Giovanna’s mother died giving birth to her which leaves a big responsibility on her father.

Instead of following the maid’s orders of giving Giovanna away, Ennio fulfils his role as a father. Ennio himself loves  the company of his daughter and she is the one to sew costumes for his plays. Giovanna’s father is a passionate writer and performer. Giovanna takes interest in a male character named Raffaele after they meet at Duke Ubertini’s party. Raffaele is a character who is misjudged by his appearance; his hunched shoulder. People believe Raffaele holds dark energy, leading to his unexplained strength and premonitions of the future.

The storyline progresses quickly which keeps you hooked. At the start of the story, Giovanna and Ennio are returning to the capital after burying her grandfather who has died of the plague. When they reach the capital, Giovanna’s father is set to perform his play- the anger of angels-, which portrays the savageness of the neighbouring ruler Prince Salvernova. Hearing from the past travellers and nobles Ennio talks to, he is able to capture the true Prince earning recognition for his work, unfortunately. It is heard by the wrong ears. Little does he know his play creates a war between two cities. It causes destruction and panic. Within the play Ennio has written a riddle that only the Prince will understand. Normally you’d think, ‘’he is a jester. Why would you be so mad about a jest?” This is when the plot thickens.

This book shows how cleverly Jordan weaves history and fantasy together, which I personally think distinguishes it out from other books I’ve read. The language of the book is slightly different to historic fantasy novels I’ve read: it makes you feel like you’re with the characters; almost in the same atmosphere. As if I was in Italy too with Giovanna. The style I found was unique, making it a very worthwhile read.

This book is decent because of how progressive the storyline is and how developed the characters become throughout the chapters. I enjoyed the dialogue and the smart little twists on words Jordan has made. As well as the romance in the story, I was fond of the relationships Giovanna has with her father and the insights about society itself. Giovanna is very ethical and inspiring. She speaks her mind and I found that really admirable in this story.

• Zahra Jawad Abdullah lives in Napier.