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A review by sleeping_while_awake
Silver on the Road by Laura Anne Gilman
2.0
Silver in the West didn't really grab me, but I liked the main character. It felt like much of the plot was empty, just like the expanse of land the characters are traveling. Based on the reviews, seems like I read a different book than most readers, as I didn't like this one so much.
Izzy lives in a town called Flood, out in the land that we know as the Louisiana Purchase. The exact timepoint is not clear, but it's in the 1800s for sure, based on the map in the book and the setting.
Izzy has been raised by a man called the Devil, as her parents left her at his establishment as a young infant. Plenty of other women live with her, and they all run a saloon. Some of the women have made deals to stay, others are probably in Izzy's situation (never stated) where they are minors waiting to get old enough to leave.
The Devil isn't really the Devil, but it's apparent he has some sort of power and influence. Izzy comes of age and is allowed to make a choice, to leave Flood and venture on her own, or to make a bargain and work for the Devil.
She decides to make a bargain, and the Devil asks her to be his right hand. The Devil then asks Gabriel, a traveller passing through, to assist her. The two set off and travel the land. They uncover towns in which inhabitants vanished and a mystery ensues.
Izzy must use her wits, and be confident that as the Devil's right hand, she can gain respect and bring order to the land.
The biggest thing that irked me was the lack of explained world-building. Certainly, part of the story is for Izzy to discover what is out there, but the characters know what kind of world they are living in.
It could have been established right in the beginning with some basic parameters. Izzy could have overheard conversation in the saloon, even if it's hearsay.
My interest definitely waned as the book failed to provide any sort of further explanation of the world. I don't need everything explained, but I need something said about the major points of the world, such as magic. Like, has no one has ever seen magic but they know it happens - or everyone knows someone who is magical - or there's a town of magicians? - something, it was too vague.
It's not clear what being the Devil's right hand means. I assume it's acting as his representative and acting in the Devil's interests. By Izzy doesn't really know any politics or the people of the land, so it's hard to imagine that she can do that, other than just using her powers to destroy the bad things.
Izzy has a great personality. I appreciate a young adult that is not flipping out every second and scowling. She's level-headed with the right amount of self-doubt. She does have a touch of perfect syndrome when it comes to whatever magical powers she has. Maybe I would have believed her actions more if there was more backstory of her when she was growing up.
Gabriel intrigued me, but the name seemed a bit heavy-handed. I kind of wished it had been a female traveling with her. Gabriel traveling with the Devil's hand? The magician was weird and he spiced up things, as Gabriel and Izzy are kind of dull.
I liked the atmosphere and that it's a western. Hopefully there will be a resurgence of westerns in fantasy. I read some comparisons with this and Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear, but I far preferred that read.
There were times in the writing, during the action scenes, where things were explained in a subtle manner, or somewhat skipped over. I would find myself having to go back and re-read to figure out what happened. Maybe the writing style kept me from focusing.
Finally, what is up with the Devil having essentially a harem of women? I guess there are some men living there too, but it's focused so prominently on the women. Weirded me out a bit, as the vibe was they all loved and respected him.
There is something interesting here, but I needed a tighter plot and conflict.
Izzy lives in a town called Flood, out in the land that we know as the Louisiana Purchase. The exact timepoint is not clear, but it's in the 1800s for sure, based on the map in the book and the setting.
Izzy has been raised by a man called the Devil, as her parents left her at his establishment as a young infant. Plenty of other women live with her, and they all run a saloon. Some of the women have made deals to stay, others are probably in Izzy's situation (never stated) where they are minors waiting to get old enough to leave.
The Devil isn't really the Devil, but it's apparent he has some sort of power and influence. Izzy comes of age and is allowed to make a choice, to leave Flood and venture on her own, or to make a bargain and work for the Devil.
She decides to make a bargain, and the Devil asks her to be his right hand. The Devil then asks Gabriel, a traveller passing through, to assist her. The two set off and travel the land. They uncover towns in which inhabitants vanished and a mystery ensues.
Izzy must use her wits, and be confident that as the Devil's right hand, she can gain respect and bring order to the land.
The biggest thing that irked me was the lack of explained world-building. Certainly, part of the story is for Izzy to discover what is out there, but the characters know what kind of world they are living in.
It could have been established right in the beginning with some basic parameters. Izzy could have overheard conversation in the saloon, even if it's hearsay.
My interest definitely waned as the book failed to provide any sort of further explanation of the world. I don't need everything explained, but I need something said about the major points of the world, such as magic. Like, has no one has ever seen magic but they know it happens - or everyone knows someone who is magical - or there's a town of magicians? - something, it was too vague.
It's not clear what being the Devil's right hand means. I assume it's acting as his representative and acting in the Devil's interests. By Izzy doesn't really know any politics or the people of the land, so it's hard to imagine that she can do that, other than just using her powers to destroy the bad things.
Izzy has a great personality. I appreciate a young adult that is not flipping out every second and scowling. She's level-headed with the right amount of self-doubt. She does have a touch of perfect syndrome when it comes to whatever magical powers she has. Maybe I would have believed her actions more if there was more backstory of her when she was growing up.
Gabriel intrigued me, but the name seemed a bit heavy-handed. I kind of wished it had been a female traveling with her. Gabriel traveling with the Devil's hand? The magician was weird and he spiced up things, as Gabriel and Izzy are kind of dull.
I liked the atmosphere and that it's a western. Hopefully there will be a resurgence of westerns in fantasy. I read some comparisons with this and Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear, but I far preferred that read.
There were times in the writing, during the action scenes, where things were explained in a subtle manner, or somewhat skipped over. I would find myself having to go back and re-read to figure out what happened. Maybe the writing style kept me from focusing.
Finally, what is up with the Devil having essentially a harem of women? I guess there are some men living there too, but it's focused so prominently on the women. Weirded me out a bit, as the vibe was they all loved and respected him.
There is something interesting here, but I needed a tighter plot and conflict.