Tomes of Spellcasting
Tomes of SpellcastingWelcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
Title: Emerald House Rising
Jena, the gemcutter's daughter, learns she possesses the gift of magic. It's an unexpected thing with unexpected consequences. First her partner in magic disappears. Then the heir of one of the seven noble houses dies and his line with him while the ruler of the land lies trapped in deathless life. A council nominates candidates for the fallen house, revealing a convoluted conspiracy to place a bitter commoner on the throne. Jena finds herself using her untrained magic to protect and preserve not simply herself, her partner, and those she cares about, but the entire realm.
Such a heavy dependence by the story on a mercantile craft and art (gemcutting) and relevant symbolism (gems) is something I cannot recall seeing--believe me, I'll let you know if I do remember. I don't think it can be easy, yet Kerr pulls it off with nary a hitch. The plot is seamlessly woven together, despite its many facets. The characters--especially Jena--come across as immediate and realistic. The novel has a rather somber theme--death isn't exactly a cheerful topic--and Kerr adds touches of humor here and there to ameliorate it, but I personally think they are mere incidentals. It is the excitement she builds and the effectiveness of her characters that make the story worth reading.
According to the blurb in the back of the book, Peg Kerr is not a novice writer. She has apparently published shortstories in magazines and anthologies. It's too bad that I missed them; I hope she one day decides to market her earlier works in a separate book. I look forward to reading her next novel, whatever it may be.
Don't forget to visit Corridors of Communication to take a look at my interview with Peg Kerr! Visit a website to learn more about her and everything she's done.
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