The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act

Every ninety years, twelve deities reincarnate as teenagers. They become instant international pop stars, commanding massive fanbases before dying within two years. In 2014 London, a skeptical teenager named Laura becomes entangled with the Pantheon after a performance by Amaterasu. When Lucifer is framed for a judge's murder during a court hearing, Laura attempts to prove the fallen angel's innocence. This initial volume establishes the Recurrence framework, detailing how these gods trade longevity for a brief, incandescent burst of fame and public adoration.

Readers interested in the intersection of theology and celebrity culture will find a cynical examination of how modern society deifies performers. Fans of urban fantasy read this for the vibrant character designs and the translation of ancient mythologies into the visual language of music festivals and fashion. The story provides a meditation on the inevitability of death and the desperate desire for legacy. You finish the book with a perspective on how youth culture consumes its icons and the inherent violence of public obsession.

Escapist; a moderate read.

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