PINK CORROSION

Gurgu’s SF sequel follows a newly minted prince struggling to unite a city’s uneasy citizens in an ecologically fallen world.

In Earth’s distant future, not everyone in the dystopian Silk Kingdom is pleased with ex-ambassador Geo Woodman taking over princely duties. Some among the Silk Court may even support the (late) former prince’s brother Silver Star, whose army is currently threatening a scientific community located in mountain caves. The kingdom and its large city of Torono are already hurting; the Black Rains, which turned water into flesh-corroding gel, have wiped out the majority of the population. (“The city was dark and still. No people in the streets. Its ruins even more pronounced after the last Rain.”) As if that wasn’t horrifying enough, the legendary Han the Great, who leads a devastating army known for annihilating anything in its path, is headed toward Torono. The city has no chance of fighting off these invaders if it’s involved in a civil war, which is a strong possibility with so many people opposing Prince Geo. He forms alliances while dodging assassination attempts, all in the hopes of resolving the people’s unrest so they can ready themselves to battle a great foe. Readers should first check out the series-opening Green Corrosion (2023), as Gurgu dives right into this sophomore installment without any recap. While much of the narrative focuses on discussions of strategy and politicking, the scenes and chapters move at a steady beat as the action shifts back and forth between such characters as Geo, Princess Bree, and those in the Caves (including Geo’s grandfather). The characters are an eclectic mix, most of whom aren’t “Liquids” (regular humans); they include “Corrosives” (who’ve drunk the gelled water) and enigmatic, shape-shifting “Dreams” and “Nightmares” (the latter group reputedly exercises less control over their flesh and “urges”). The author gleefully lingers over this atmospheric world, filled with endless rust, dilapidated buildings, and tentacled things. The story builds to a potential conflict, and the ending is a clear setup for a third volume.

Another grim but enthralling installment in this ongoing SF saga.