Spirit Gate
Book I of Crossroads
by Kate Elliott
The Hundred used to be a peaceful, enlightened place; but that was when the Guardians ruled. Now they have all died
or left, and it is up to the reeves to try and keep law and order. But they are failing, and it looks as though the
Hundred will soon be fighting a war they cannot win. Meanwhile, in Kartu Town young Mai is the most beautiful girl
in the area so it is not surprising that Captain Anji asks her father for her hand in marriage. But she does not
want to go with him, for he is one of the hated Qin who rule over her people, and he will take her away from all
she knows, together with her unpopular young uncle. Soon Mai and Anji are also on the run, and arrive in the
Hundred where they meet up with disillusioned reeve, Joss.
Kate Elliott has already written a septet of bestselling fantasy books, and now she starts on another series.
It’s a tubby tome; ideal for propping open a door as well as for reading and it could stand a lot of editing.
Elliott’s main strength lies in her world building, and you will feel before long that you are with her too as
her descriptions are almost tangible. When only a few pages into the book I felt that I was there too and could
see it all unfolding before me; no mean talent. If you like your fantasy exciting with battles and adventures
(even a bit of monster-bashing) you will be disappointed, as this is very much a part of the new breed of fantasy
a la George R. R. Martin with political plotting and courtly intrigue taking the place of good old fashioned
derring-do. If you are one of the growing number of readers who prefer this style of thing you will lap it up,
and even if not there is all that lush description to delve into so maybe there really is something for everyone
in here. |
The Book |
Orbit (Little, Brown) |
January 2007 |
Trade Paperback |
9781841495996 |
Fantasy |
More
at Amazon.com US
|| UK |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Rachel A Hyde |
Reviewed 2007 |
NOTE: |
|