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A review by gracecrandall
Shield of Stars by Hilari Bell
5.0
Well, this is an awesome book. There's something indefinably attractive about Hilari Bell's plots; I think it has something to do with how all her characters relate to one another. There's heart and realism in every relationship in this book (none of which are romantic), and that makes it a real joy to read :)
My favorite character was Weasel. Whether he's maneuvering through the criminal world or heroically riding a complacent mule to a friend's rescue, he's just fun to read about.
Weasel is a boy who claims to care about no one but himself. He was a pickpocket, but he was caught--and let off--by Justice Holis, who subsequently gave him a job as a clerk in his house. this might have been a happy ending, but the politics of the realm have stepped in to make sure it isn't; and when Holis is arrested as a traitor, Weasel (still insisting he only cares about himself, silly fellow) does everything in his power to save him.
Along the way he meets up with Arisa--a plain girl, with a good head on her shoulders, whose combat skills aren't entirely in line with her claims of being no more than a the daughter of a seamstress.
I think Arisa and Weasel's relationship is a lot richer for not being romantic. There's a real friendship and camaraderie between them, and it was fun to see their strengths and weaknesses played against one another. the story has a lot of serious undertones, but it's never humorless; and the humor in turn serves to make the serious bits--some rather deep and confusing questions about life, loyalty and lesser evils--somehow more gripping.
I'd almost forgotten about the epic worldbuilding and mythology. the story paints a picture of the world it takes place in with surprising brevity and clarity, no more than a suggestion here or there giving the impression of a very full and rich history behind the bits we're allowed to see.
All in all, this book has gained a place in my favorites (along with almost all of Bell's other books) and I can't wait to read the next one!
My favorite character was Weasel. Whether he's maneuvering through the criminal world or heroically riding a complacent mule to a friend's rescue, he's just fun to read about.
Weasel is a boy who claims to care about no one but himself. He was a pickpocket, but he was caught--and let off--by Justice Holis, who subsequently gave him a job as a clerk in his house. this might have been a happy ending, but the politics of the realm have stepped in to make sure it isn't; and when Holis is arrested as a traitor, Weasel (still insisting he only cares about himself, silly fellow) does everything in his power to save him.
Along the way he meets up with Arisa--a plain girl, with a good head on her shoulders, whose combat skills aren't entirely in line with her claims of being no more than a the daughter of a seamstress.
I think Arisa and Weasel's relationship is a lot richer for not being romantic. There's a real friendship and camaraderie between them, and it was fun to see their strengths and weaknesses played against one another. the story has a lot of serious undertones, but it's never humorless; and the humor in turn serves to make the serious bits--some rather deep and confusing questions about life, loyalty and lesser evils--somehow more gripping.
I'd almost forgotten about the epic worldbuilding and mythology. the story paints a picture of the world it takes place in with surprising brevity and clarity, no more than a suggestion here or there giving the impression of a very full and rich history behind the bits we're allowed to see.
All in all, this book has gained a place in my favorites (along with almost all of Bell's other books) and I can't wait to read the next one!