AFTER THE DARK is the third original DARK ANGEL novel that Del Rey have published after the end of the television series. It's also the third written by Max Allan Collins, so if nothing else, we can be pretty sure that the characterisation will be up to the usual standards, while the input of Matthew V. Clemens means that the novel works well within the television series' continuity.

AFTER THE DARK picks up seven months after end end of SKIN GAME. The transgenics in Terminal City are surviving, and are even helping to make a contribution to the rest of Seattle. However, with Christmas approaching, an old enemy of Max's has other plans for our favourite X5.

The back cover reveals that Max feels betrayed when Logan reveals something that he's concealed from her for years.

However, the discovery of Logan's betrayal has to wait since - as the blurb also reveals - he is then kidnapped and it's up to Max and her transgenic friends to rescue him.

The transgenics feature heavily in AFTER THE DARK, with other regulars such as Original Cindy, Normal and Sketchy used much more sparingly. In their place, we have the return of Ames White and the Familiars.

This isn't just an excuse for Collins to indulge in a bit of a continuity-fest as he draws on the series' mythology to tie up several ongoing strands, as well as setting up further mysteries.

The previous DARK ANGEL novels have shown that Collins is a more than capable writer, and once again, there are no real problems on that score. The action moves along at a good pace, although the ending did feel a little rushed with a touch of "bad guy explains the whole thing" about it. However this wasn't enough to spoil my enjoyment too much.

Once again, a good spin-off novel and it's pleasing to note that they're still being aimed at adults rather than kids as these things so often are. BACK TO THE TOP

AFTER THE DARK

Written by MAX ALLAN COLLINS

DEL REY BOOKS

$6.99


RATING: 8/10


PREVIOUS RELEASE:
SKIN GAME