Vivi Anna, Hell Kat

Hell Kat

Vivi Anna

Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2006, $12.95

ISBN: 0758214952

Nuclear explosions have left much of the Earth devastated and civilization on the brink of extinction. In this post-apocalyptic realm, deadly scavengers seek fortunes anyway they can in hopes of a better life. One such lethal treasure seeker is Hell Kat, who scrounges the ruins of great societies in order to find loot worth selling; accompanying her on her forays is her partner and sometimes lover Damien.

Hell Kat and Damien seek the Monmouth, a relic of the ancients worth a fortune. However to obtain the valuable technological device, they must enter Vanquished City, home to numerous mutants born in radiation. Joining them on their quest is her rival Hades, a man Kat secretly desires, and their guide Darquiel, who frightens Kat, because her long time teammate Damien seems more loyal to him than her. The quest begins, that only can be considered successful if they obtain the electronic gizmo, sell it, and use the money to escape the dangerous outer rim; the probability of success in each of the team member's minds is zero.

The cover looks more like comic book art, but for those who believe that makes HELL KAT targeting children means you have not read comic books in decades. The dark storyline is action-packed with an incredible descriptive concrete and iron wasteland, as seen through the eyes of the four travelers. Besides learning the depth of the nuclear holocaust, fans also understand the motives of each of the prime players, yet that never slows down the pace; neither do the few sexual encounters that in fact enhance the comprehension of morality. Vivi Anna paints a nightmarish gory tale of a future hell on earth. Those with strong stomachs will fully cherish and demand more such post-doomsday science fiction thrillers.