The Spirit Rebellion
The Legend of Eli Monpress – Book II
Rachel Aaron

Orbit (Little, Brown)
November 2010 / ISBN 035650011X
Fantasy
Amazon US || UK

Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde

Eli Monpress is back, and this time he wants to burgle the “thief proof” citadel belonging to the Duke of Gaol. This man has a number of hobbies, one of which is a desperate desire to capture the best thief in the world (aka Eli Monpress). Meanwhile Miranda Lyonette is back home and facing a trial for several trumped-up charges. The upshot of this is that she has been sent packing from the Spirit Court, but she is about to land an interesting new job - - one that might just put her back on the trail of Eli…

Put together an interesting system of magic, a classic fantasy scenario, engaging characters, a lively plot that doesn’t let go for a moment, and even a swordfight or two, and you have the second volume of this highly enjoyable series. This has reminded me of why I started reading fantasy to begin with: the fun of getting to know a world built from an author’s imagination; of reading about thrilling adventures, magic, and monsters; and immersing myself in a whole new place. Maybe this description makes it sound rather retro, and I can assure you that there is more than enough to please a modern reader. From the butt-kicking Miranda to the demon-ridden Nico, the bubbling sense of sheer enjoyment suffuses the series.

You won’t find romance, sex, grittiness, horror or much torture in here so if this is what you are looking for then surely you are spoilt for choice these days. If on the other hand you want a good story that never stops being action-packed or inventive and that will leave you with a big smile on your face then this is just the book. Highly recommended.

Reviewers Note: US edition is different