A review by lynneelue
Silver on the Road by Laura Anne Gilman

2.0

This book felt like a fable--written with secrets, riddled with mythic symbolism, and pockmarked with realism. I was interested in how this book melded various genres to create a unique product. It had the travel details of a Western, the magic and magical creatures of Fantasy, and the historical, imaginative setting of Science Fiction and Historical Fiction. I liked that the devil was such a big part of this book, and I was intrigued that he maintains justice and keeps order; and he is dangerous not because he is seductive and deceptive but because he gives people their temptations given a price. The author described the characters' adventures in a way that made me feel like I was right in the dust and heat with them. I was fascinated by the quiet dignity of the Native Americans, the pure devotion of the Spaniards, and the sly ambition of the magicians and other dangerous magical creatures of the Territory. The world building of the partitions in North America, set within the era of Jefferson's presidency, was well-done, and though this book felt complete, I expect the next books will explore other parts of the North American colonies. I liked the friendship and acceptance between the mentor Gabriel and the Left Hand Isobel. The writing style, however, made the story boring to me, and the author felt like she was trying too hard, using stylized descriptions of the earth like "cracking bones and stones," and formal words like "coin," "flesh," and "bowels" too often.