LOVE the cover!
Once the cover hooks me, I check out the blurb...if that intrigues, me I flip to the first page and read the first few sentences, maybe a paragraph. And that's what usually helps me decide to read or not read a book.
Kage Baker (who died much too early) has an established reputation in the science-fiction/ fantasy community and this is her first fantasy novel. She's often cited as a contemporary genius in the sci-fi/fantasy world. Unfortunately I had't read her...but I'm remedying this now.
My Review (Finished reading Jan. 31, 2014)
I read this as part of my A to Z Female Fantasy Authors reading challenge. And I loved it!
This is a 4.5 stars read for me only because the story has three separate sections instead of flowing seamlessly as one story. The changes, esp. between parts 2 & 3, did take me out of the story for a bit.
But overall, I'm so glad I read it. Kage Baker is better known for her science fiction, however her first fantasy novel didn't disappoint. It was Terry Pratchett meets Sinbad the Sailor meets Faulty Towers. It was LOL funny and thought provoking. This was a fun read with great characters and an interesting world. I wish I had written it...but so glad someone, Ms. Baker, did.
I will definitely check out her other books now.
Other books I have read in my A to Z: Female Fantasy Authors Reading Challenge:
A is for Abbey, Lynn with her Rifkind's Challenge
C is for Choo, Yangsze with The Ghost Bride
What are you reading?
