Cast in Chaos

Cast in Chaos by Michelle Sagara West

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Michelle just keeps getting better! While action is not lacking at all, what I most enjoyed about this particular entry in the series was the further development of the magical system and the power of language. And it's interesting to see the "child of the slums" theme played out in both this series and the Sun Sword/House Wars series. When Michelle deals with magic, it is also an exploration of love and power; that and beautiful writing is what I love about her work.



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Lost Recipe for Happiness

The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal

My rating: 4 of 5 stars Really good. Really, really good. Magic of food, of memory, of loss, friendship, redemption. Solid depiction of the Southwest as we who are native know it. A writer not only to watch, but to read. View all my reviews >>

Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn

Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I just finished Troubled Waters, and I think it's her best yet. As I neared the end, I was simultaneously wishing to finish and to stretch it out, and I can honestly say it's the first time I ever read a book and hoped it would be a series! I would rather read a thousand or so pages at one time, usually. The "blessings" concept is so charming and true, the people are enjoyable to be around, and the "great evil" is birthed by human greed and pettiness--also true, in the world we live in.
There's a lovely romance, too.

In addition to visiting other worlds, what I most appreciate about reading is that it can give us insights and tools to use in the world we come back to. Instead of passing my copy on to the library, I will have to place it on my shelves to await its future companions. I will enjoy spending time there again and again, as I do in the worlds of Liaden, Elantra, Darkover, Valdemar, and Tortall. (Among others, of course. But after almost fifty years of reading, not many make the cut to stay on the shelves. I try to keep the house count at under 2,000.)

I think Shinn is at the top of her game, and has created another one of those worlds so well-realized that many readers old and new will love to revisit and share.




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