XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Transformation and Reinvention

  Angelina's physical transformation from ugliness to beauty through surgery, and the psychological deformation that accompanied it.

• Loneliness and Ego

  Angelina's isolation and the warped ego born from her past ugliness, driving her ruthless ambition.

• Crime and Identity

  Jim's internal conflict about his criminal past and his role in the revolution, as well as Angelina's criminal climb to beauty.

Characters to notice

• Slippery Jim diGriz

  Acts as bodyguard, considers reenlisting in the Special Corps, and learns about Angelina's past.

• Angelina

  Knocks out Count Cassitor, proposes partnership to Jim, and reveals her traumatic past through a locket photo.

• Count Cassitor

  Assaults Angelina, is knocked out, and is deemed a cowardly figurehead for the revolution.

• Grav Bent Diebstall

  Jim's alias as bodyguard; mentioned in Angelina's command to put away the gun.

Key passages

• “I want you to come in with me on this thing... A partnership. We'll keep the Count of Rdenrundt out in front until the plan succeeds. Then eliminate him and go the rest of the way ourselves.”

  Angelina proposes a partnership to Jim, planning to use the Count as a figurehead and then take over the revolution themselves.

  Key moment where Angelina recruits Jim into her conspiracy.

• “A pretty face—is that all you think of?... Would you want to kiss her ?”

  Angelina rejects Jim's kiss and reveals a locket with a photo of her former ugly self, questioning his motives.

  Revelation of Angelina's past and the psychological trauma behind her beauty.

• “The girl in the picture was Angelina herself. With this realization so many other things became clear.”

  Jim realizes the photo shows Angelina before her transformation, explaining her ruthless drive.

  Jim's insight into Angelina's motivations and the cost of her reinvention.