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Downside Girls

by Jaine Fenn (Goodreads Author), Alastair Reynolds (Contributor)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 38 ratings · 17 reviews

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Published September 24th 2012 by Monico

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Sep 25, 2012 Seak (Bryce L.) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-review, 2012, sci-fi

Downside Girls is a novella-length collection of four short stories by Jaine Fenn, all of which take place in the universe of Fenn's Hidden Empire series, beginning with Principles of Angels. With a foreword by Alastair Reynolds, I couldn't resist giving this a go.

After reading the first story, I was already extremely interested in this world Fenn's created and convinced to give the main series a go.

"Collateral Damage" - As I said above, I really enjoyed this story. A topsider (upper class) inad...more Downside Girls is a novella-length collection of four short stories by Jaine Fenn, all of which take place in the universe of Fenn's Hidden Empire series, beginning with Principles of Angels. With a foreword by Alastair Reynolds, I couldn't resist giving this a go.

After reading the first story, I was already extremely interested in this world Fenn's created and convinced to give the main series a go.

"Collateral Damage" - As I said above, I really enjoyed this story. A topsider (upper class) inadvertently spills her drink on an "Angel" (who ended up not quite being what I thought she was having no experience with this world) and a budding friendship ensues. This story was a good setup of the universe and some of its elements including the fact that "Angels" are downsiders (poor/lower class) who act as the justice for the people...i.e. assassins. Angels are also enhanced in ways that make them better (and cooler) assassins. You can't really go wrong for me with this type of story, although there wasn't a whole lot of assassining (It's a real word right? ...No) going on. Instead, this story was a great introduction to the world and had a nice twist. (4/5)

"Death on Elsewhere Street" - Another solid entry into this short short story collection. After running from an Angel (huge no no), mistaking her for a thief, the Angel makes the story's protagonist witness the events that unfold. This one's the shortest of the bunch, but doesn't lack for great storytelling. (4/5)

"Angel Dust" - My favorite and longest of the three connected stories. A downsider's brother ends up with a box that's wanted by all the wrong people. Rival gangs are implicated, angels show up, fighting, and lots of suspense. I couldn't put it down. (4.5/5)

"The Three Temptations of Larnia Mier" - While on par with the rest of the stories in terms of being well-written and captivating, I had a hard time with this particular story. Larnia is involved in an accident that may injure her music career especially due to the fact that her faith prevents her from obtaining any implants that could easily help.

I struggled with The Three Temptations because I didn't feel like religion in general got a fair shake. The guy who's anti-religion in this story makes great points against religion, but what about the other side of the argument? I enjoyed her character, but suddenly this person I thought was completely competent has no ability to defend herself and her beliefs? I'm sorry, but that's just not going to be the case. Not every religious person is a complete idiot (even though plenty act as such).

I feel like the point you're making loses credibility by completely ignoring the other side's argument. (3.5/5)

Overall, this is a great collection that's highly recommended. I will do my best to find more from Jaine Fenn, especially the original series from which these stories stem, although I think they may only be available in the UK at least paper-wise.

4 out of 5 Stars (Highly Recommended)
(less)

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Oct 16, 2012 L.S. Murphy added it · review of another edition

Having not read any of Jaine Fenn's novels, I was a little worried that a collection of short novellas would leave me with questions about the city of Kesh. It was a needless worry.
Fenn's writing is strong with four very distinctive voices for each one of the novellas. The stories moved quickly and weren't bogged down with useless description that usually turns me away from science fiction. The world building was quite excellent. I easily imagined myself on the city.
My favorite story was "Deat...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Lucky rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow!

I think writing a quality short story is harder than writing a quality novel. In a novel, there is more room in which to flesh out characters, develop the plot, and portray the intent. With a short story, writing has to be crisper, more on target, and more evocative. A poor author just can't pull it off, and even a good author who puts together a great short story often cannot sustain that story over a series.

In Downside Girls, Jaine Fenn has succeeded on all levels. Her writing style is dir...more Wow!

I think writing a quality short story is harder than writing a quality novel. In a novel, there is more room in which to flesh out characters, develop the plot, and portray the intent. With a short story, writing has to be crisper, more on target, and more evocative. A poor author just can't pull it off, and even a good author who puts together a great short story often cannot sustain that story over a series.

In Downside Girls, Jaine Fenn has succeeded on all levels. Her writing style is direct, clean, and impactful, but there is a flow and a degree of lyricism that makes reading her stories a joy. There are shades present that create a fullness that is often lacking in other works.

The stage for these four short stories is deliciously captivating. A floating city is inhabited by the privileged population that lives on top of the city as well as the despised downsiders, the poor people who live under the city and exist on what they can scavenge. However, this is a weird sort of democracy in which politicians are voted not to be put out of office, but to be assassinated. The instruments of the assassinations are the "angels," former downsiders who have been transformed into flying, powerful assassins.

Characterization in all four stories is simply superb. it is remarkable that the author is able to achieve the depth she does in a short-story format, more than most authors can achieve in full-length novels. Of particular note to me was that of the title character in "The Three Temptations of Larnia Mier." While the other three stories were more directly involved with angels, this story looked at a music teacher who, as a result of an injury, was having hearing issues, and her relationship with one of her students. Not much in this story went according to formula. It was compelling reading, drawing the reader into Larnia's world, inter her very being. I felt there was a parallel within the story with the three temptations in the title. On the surface, this was simply a story of a woman and her feelings. On another level, there were analogies to our present world. And on the third level, I think it went deeply into the human condition. While all four stories were great, for me, this one transcended the others and, in fact, vaulted right to the top of my list of best short stories of all time.

I cannot recommend this collection enough.(less)

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Nov 01, 2012 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Three Stars: A short foray into a fascinating world.

Life is definitely difficult for those struggling to exist in the Downside world. It is a gritty, dark, survival of the fittest lifestyle. While those on the Topside have few concerns and live a good life. It is a brutal world, though and justice is swift and deadly. For once a politician or public figure errs and loses the support of the masses, their fate is a quick execution exacted by the deadly angels, who are former downside girls. Their...more Three Stars: A short foray into a fascinating world.

Life is definitely difficult for those struggling to exist in the Downside world. It is a gritty, dark, survival of the fittest lifestyle. While those on the Topside have few concerns and live a good life. It is a brutal world, though and justice is swift and deadly. For once a politician or public figure errs and loses the support of the masses, their fate is a quick execution exacted by the deadly angels, who are former downside girls. Their missions are to take out the ones who are elected to die by the populace. Life on top or on bottom of this floating city is dangerous and difficult!
What I Liked:
*Downside Girls is a novella consisting of four short stories. It is a tantalizing tease into Ms. Fenn's dark and deadly world. She has definitely created a fascinating world, and though there isn't a lot of time to dispense the details in this small book, the reader has just enough information to put together a picture of her vision. I liked that this was a quick read, and that it wasn't bogged down with details.
*I enjoyed reading about the difficulties the downside girls and angels faced. Make no mistake, their lives are fraught with peril, and never easy, but all the characters had a fierce, determined outlook.
*I am a fan of short stories and I enjoyed seeing how these stories interconnected. My favorite of the four was the first story that tells the tale of a new angel who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a topside lady. The final twist was a shock and I loved it!

And The Not So Much:
*Even though this novel provided enough description to get an idea of Ms. Fenn's world, I was ultimately left wanting more, and I will have to check into her other novels. Keep in mind when reading this one that is short and quick and it doesn't have the lengthy descriptions and detailed world building that I crave. On the other hand, sometimes it is nice to read something quickly.
*I was not a big fan of the final story. It was a strong departure from the other three stories and I really didn't see how it connected with the other three stories.

Downside Girls is a swift introduction to Ms. Fenn's deadly world of exacting angels and swift executions. Life in the floating city whether it be topside or downside is never easy, but it is far better to be topside. If you are a fan of Ms. Fenn's books, this short little novella is sure to please, and if you are new to her work, this is a tantalizing introduction.

Favorite Quotations:
"A tear ran out the corner of one eye. Looked like the last straggler from a whole lot of crying."
"They say every Street in the City has a theme and a product. Guess what's for sale on Amnesia Street."
"I'll stop thinking of you as a talented woman who recognizes the power of music, and just consider you a sad loner who's not smart enough to think herself free of her beliefs."

A received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@ Rainy Day Ramblings.(less)

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Oct 09, 2012 Holly Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a collection of 4 short stories that make for an amazing novella style read. Before reading Downside Girls, I had never heard of Jaine Fenn or her "Hidden Empire" series. I am now hooked. I can't wait to get my hands on more!

Ms. Fenn's style of writing is captivating! I was drawn in from the first couple of paragraphs. She does an amazing job at world building. It's one of those stories where you can actually envision yourself right there in the middle of it. Of the 4 stories, "Collatera...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Mark rated it 4 of 5 stars

Downside Girls
By Jaine Fenn

Publisher: Clarion Publishing / Monico
Published In: London, England
Date: 2012
Pgs: 154

Summary:
A mega-cloud city where those responsible for the city’s public life, when they step over the perceived bounds of propriety, face extermination at the hands of the augmented and implanted Angels, assassins who come from the Downside population. Instruments of the city’s will, they await the vote that will send their next target into their path.

A woman in a downside bar spills...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Sorcha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, er, ebook, 2012

Provided by the publishers as part of the Library Thing's early reviewers.

More information on both the book and the publishers can be found here:

http://www.clarionpublishing.com/book...

The book is a set of 4 short stories, 3 of which have been published previously and which are linked with Angels - state sponsored assassins - as some of the primary characters.

The 4th story is set in the same world, touches briefly on Angels, but is about a musician and follower of one of the planet's religions....more

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Sep 25, 2012 Paul rated it 4 of 5 stars

The floating city of Kesh rests above the uninhabitable planet of Vellern. For the Topsiders life is about luxury and opulence, while for those of the Undertow day to day survival takes precedence. Kesh City is a democracy by assassination, where the Angels – deadly state-sponsored killers – remove those unworthy to hold office.

When Vanna Agriet accidentally spills her drink over an Angel it could spell death, but instead it leads to a rather peculiar friendship. The downsider Geal hopes for a b...more The floating city of Kesh rests above the uninhabitable planet of Vellern. For the Topsiders life is about luxury and opulence, while for those of the Undertow day to day survival takes precedence. Kesh City is a democracy by assassination, where the Angels – deadly state-sponsored killers – remove those unworthy to hold office.

When Vanna Agriet accidentally spills her drink over an Angel it could spell death, but instead it leads to a rather peculiar friendship. The downsider Geal hopes for a better life topside, only to find herself embroiled in a ‘removal’ by the Angel Thiera. Downside, Isha’s brother Rakul brings a little black box home with him, and sets Isha on a journey that takes her to a meeting with the most powerful man in Kesh City. Larnia Mier, a talented topside musician and instructor, is injured after witnessing a removal first-hand. As her abilities diminish, new possibilities open up.

This short story anthology features four individual tales all set in the fantastical city of Kesh.

Collateral Damage – A chance meeting between two women in a bar acts as our introduction to the City of Kesh. Vanna is having trouble at home with her husband, while Malia is a newly risen Angel still unsure about her choice of new career. Over a number of weeks a friendship forms, but perhaps there is more to this friendship than there first appears.

Death on Elsewhere Street – Some of Kesh’s citizens will do whatever they can to avoid popping up on the Angels radar, Geal falls squarely into this group. Circumstance, however, leads her directly into the middle of an incident that is the stuff of her nightmares. Sometimes, no matter how hard you run from something you can’t avoid it.

Angel Dust – The gangs of the Undertow are the mirror to the political machinations that occur up above. Irrespective of their differences, the same power struggles and schemes occur in both areas of the society. If anything, the gangs may at least be a little bit more honest about their goals. Angel Dust illustrates just how aware the Angels, and their mysterious leader the Minister, are of everything that happens in every part of the city – above and below.

The Three Temptations of Larnia Mier – The final story in the collection focuses on Larnia, a musician with strong religious beliefs who is forced to re-evaluate her life after an accident.

If you have never read any of Jaine Fenn’s novels, I hadn’t before now, Downside Girls strikes me as being perfect place to start. There are some nice ideas that come across very well in her writing. The Angels, in particular, are a wonderful creation. I love the idea that they are the living embodiment of the people’s will. If any of the city’s politicians step out of line then the Angels deal with them without remorse. Is this perhaps not a policy that we could instigate when dealing with corruption in Westminster?

For such a small collection Downside Girls manages to cover a heck of a lot of ground. Using the unique world that she has created, Fenn takes the opportunity to explore topics as diverse as politics, gang culture, religion, the drug trade and gender. All four stories achieve exactly what they set out to do. The reader is offered a tantilising glimpse of a much larger world. It’s true that this collection is likely going to leave you with more questions than answers but I dont think this is a bad thing. The good news is that, as quick internet search reveals, there are other novels set in the same universe already published.

This collection contains some thought provoking science fiction with a memorable cast of characters. Kesh is a vibrant, fully realised city-state offering a wealth of possibilities. I look forward to my next visit.

Downside Girls is released by Clarion Publishing and the ebook is available now and the paperback will follow on the 9th November 2012.(less)

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Nov 02, 2012 RickyB rated it 3 of 5 stars

When I picked up this book and realised it was a sequel of sorts (same characters that appeared in a previous book by the same author) I was a bit worried that, having not read the previous work, I wouldn’t be able to follow what was going on.
While there is some obvious back story missing that would probably be in the other book, it didn’t stop me enjoying these stories any less.
I really loved the world created by author Jaine Fenn and was intrigued enough by the characters that I am keen to rea...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Sarah (Workaday Reads) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

This is a short story collection that introduces the reader to the world of the Hidden Empire series. As an introduction, this book worked great. After finishing it, I knew I wanted to read the first book in the Hidden Empire series. The world building through the short stories was very well done, and made me want to experience more.

Looking at each story individually, I liked Collateral Damage the best. It was simple yet complex. It was the first story in the collection, so offered my first tast...more

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Dec 19, 2012 David Gullen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a highly enjoyable collection of four stories. Each of these tales is filled with vivid characters, tension, adventure, and poignant self-discovery as the Downside Girls strive to stay alive in their ramshackle homes on the underside slums of the floating city of Kesh.

Jaine Fenn is the author of the well-regarded Hidden Empire series of SF novels, the stories in this collection are all part of that universe. Those novels are great reads, Downside Girls shows she's a highly accomplished a...more

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Oct 04, 2012 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, read-in-2012, sci-fi

The world Jaine Fenn has created of Angels, the wealthy Topsiders, and the scrabbling poor that live on the underside of the floating city is deeply compelling. The city is equal parts beautiful and deadly, painful and dark. The Angels kill when ordered to and the people accept them for what they are while fearing them at the same time.

While several of the events and characters are mentioned in multiple stories, the stories themselves can easily stand alone and be read without any prior knowledg...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Glen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

our interwoven stories set in a divided, intertwined, interconnected world. A city, divided into Topside and Downside, with one law: Angels kill according to the will of the majority. Angels come only from the ranks of the Downside girls.

Jaine Fenn writes spare, lean prose. She hasn’t turned her back on the short fiction form with the success of her long form prose – and I for one am glad. These hard scifi stories drop you into the lives of people living – often literally – on or just over the e...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Alan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: default

Four short stories set in a city divided by those who live topside and those who live downside. The first three interlinked stories offer a glimpse into a dark world where angels, the downside girls, are respected and feared. The stories wonderfully explore these mysterious executioners and reveal how human they really are. Each story just gets better. The fourth story, set in the same universe, is an interesting exploration of faith. Warning: the first three stories are for an adult readership...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Rinn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, librarything, from-publisher, read-2013, reviewed

I received a copy of this book for free via Librarything, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Clarion Publishing for sending it to me (along with some very friendly emails), and for putting me on their 'nice people' list! =) This review is also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.

This collection of four short stories by Jaine Fenn, set in the universe of her series Hidden Empire, assumes no previous knowledge of her work. Leaping straight in, without any introduction to the world, it is sti...more I received a copy of this book for free via Librarything, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Clarion Publishing for sending it to me (along with some very friendly emails), and for putting me on their 'nice people' list! =) This review is also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.

This collection of four short stories by Jaine Fenn, set in the universe of her series Hidden Empire, assumes no previous knowledge of her work. Leaping straight in, without any introduction to the world, it is still completely accessible to readers who have never read any of the series. Facts were laid out when they need to be, rather than dumping lots of information on the reader. It is for this reason that I believe it is the sort of science fiction that is accessible to any reader. One of the downfalls of the science fiction genre is that it is often very specialist, and so much of it is very heavy - someone who does not usually read sci-fi could easily be put off. However, that is not the case with Downside Girls.

The city in these stories has a 'topside' and a 'downside' - topside being the upper class area, and downside for the poorer citizens. Patrolling the city are Angels - downsiders chosen to be assassins and given special powers, who target corrupt politicians. The descriptions and feel of the city definitely gave me a bit of a Mass Effect vibe - I was imagining the scenarios taking place in the Citadel, which was pretty cool.

All four stories have very different situations, and weave together the lives of humans and Angels. The stories are also interlinked in small ways, but I think you have to read the main series to truly understand the link - I only picked it up from reading the synopses of Jaine Fenn's other work. The narrative of the stories is just about different enough to show that each one is being told by another character, but I do feel that this aspect could be improved on.

The writing flowed very well - not overly showy, or too simple. Despite only spending a short amount of time with each character, I somehow felt for them all - particularly in the last story. Fenn manages to pack a lot into only 80-odd pages - trickery, assassinations, gangs, as well as a rather sweet tale at the end.

This novella has made me definitely want to check out the main books. Whilst appealing to science fiction fans, I believe it is also a perfect collection of short stories for those wanting to ease themselves into the genre.

Rating: 4 stars(less)

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Nov 13, 2012 Mandy Sickle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: love-the-cover, new2you-author, 2012, reading-diaries-reviews, read2review, futuristic, fantasy

I won a copy of Downside Girls from a Librarything giveaway in return for an honest review. I found Downside Girls fast paced a quick read that I was able to read in a short time without putting down. The shorts stories take place in the world of the Hidden Empire Series. I found the idea for the floating city with the two types of people unique and exciting. I found the concept for the Angels new and refreshing compared to most of the other Angel books out there. The short stories are an awesom...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Michael Dillon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Good stories set in an interesting world that I look forward to reading more about, I see similarities between her and Reynolds, who wrote the intro, that show promise to me.

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Jan 29, 2013 Tory rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: goodreads-first-reads

Great book. I loved the characters of the stories. The snippets of their lives were compelling enough for me to now want to find Jaine Fenn's books and read them all.

Note: I received this book through Goodread First Reads.

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Mar 05, 2013 Paddy O'callaghan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Absolutely brilliant. Shame it wasn't longer though

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About Jaine Fenn

Truth may be stranger than fiction, but it's also far harder to track down. Jaine Fenn has had numerous short stories professionally published, some of which appear in the collection 'Downside Girls'. Her Hidden Empire sequence, published by Gollancz, starts with the novel 'Principles of Angels', and isn't over yet.

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