The Unquiet Land, by Sharon Shinn, (Ace)
Although I had heard the author’s
name, I had not read any of her work. It’s always a risk picking up a book in
the middle of a series; much of the time, you get either huge chunks of
expository backstory or you are lost by references to the same. Shinn
skillfully draws the reader into her rich, intricate world, filled with
marvelously depicted characters and even more nuanced relationships. This world
is one of small island states, each with its own unique and sometimes bizarre
culture. Although there is definitely a story “off the pages,” it’s not at all
necessary to have started at the beginning to fully enjoy this one.
Leah has returned to the city of her
birth after a period of exile, political intrigue, and a relationship that
might develop into a romance. In between getting to know the young daughter she
left behind, figuring out her place and what she wants for her future, she
crosses paths with travelers from another island state, strangers whose
political ambitions and utter amorality threaten everyone she holds dear.
Although the story has plenty of suspense and dramatic movement, what stood out
for me was the emphasis on relationships – new ones, old ones, those laden with
regret and those inspiring hope. The sheer number of characters and the system
of magic, the religious blessings and traditions, all these elements might have
seemed overwhelming in the hands of a less competent writer, but Shinn weaves
them all together to bring dimensionality and emotional resonance to every
aspect of Leah’s world.
No comments:
Post a Comment