Brekke K. (sfvamp) - , reviewed on 11/9/2009 + 108 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 5

This is one of the best books I've ever read! It truly has that WOW factor. A year ago I half-heartedly sat down to read this novel after a really stressful day thinking that it would help me go to sleep. Hours later I still couldn't put it down until it was fully read and even then the story stayed with me for days afterwards--so much so that I contacted Elizabeth Bear and begged her for a sequel, which she unfortunately denied was going to happen. But I'm still hopeful . . .

Part of the reason this book is so good is simply because the language is so beautiful, lyrical even at times. The world building is truly excellent and the characterization just marvelous. A warning though: this novel is not for the faint of heart. There are graphic depictions of homosexuality and dubious consent. It is also a very violent tale, but never gratuitously so. On the other hand I would call this story romantic and hopeful at its core. The only other time I had quite this avid a response to a novel was after reading Cry to Heaven by Anne Rice. Definitely pick up this book if you like intelligent, engaging stories that make you think.

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