Monday, October 31, 2011

Review: Weight of Stone by Laura Anne Gilman

Publication Date: Oct. 20, 2010
by Pocket Books
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Review copy from publisher

Jerzy, Vineart apprentice and former slave, was sent by his master to investigate strange happenings—and found himself the target of betrayal. Now he must set out on his own journey, to find the source of the foul taint that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. By Jerzy's side are Ao, who lives for commerce and the art of the deal; Mahault, stoic and wise, risking death in flight from her homeland; and KaÏnam, once Named-Heir of an island principality, whose father has fallen into a magic-tangled madness that endangers them all.
These four companions will travel far from the earth and the soul of the vine, sailing along coastlines aflame with fear, confronting sea creatures summoned by darkness, and following winds imbued with malice. Their journey will take them to the very limits of the Sin Washer's reach . . . and into a battle for the soul of the Lands Vin. For two millennia the Sin Washer's Commandment has kept these lands in order: Those of magic shall hold no power over men and those princes of power shall hold no magic. Now, that law has given way. And a hidden force seeks the havoc of revenge.

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I felt like the first book in the Vineart War series was quite slow to start, and maybe a little over-descriptive.  This second book was much better.  There were still some slower parts, but with enough action mixed in to make the pacing just about right.  Jerzy is becoming a more interesting character as the series progresses, and I'm really looking forward to finding out what will happen next.

This is not really my normal type of reading.  Yes, it is fantasy, but I tend to gravitate towards epic fantasies.  I'm not sure what you would classify this under, but it's not quite the same thing.  I would recommend it to fans of more thoughtful, literary type fantasy.  Grade: B-

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