Scan barcode
A review by foggy_rosamund
Earth Logic: An Elemental Logic Novel by Laurie J. Marks
3.0
Set five years after Fire Logic, but very little has happened since the events of that time. That's part of the point of this book: it's about the pain of inaction, and how inaction can be the bravest course. We open with the four main characters of Fire Logic, Emil, Medric, Karis and Zanja, trying to figure out how they can end the wars in Shaftal and bring peace to their country. We're also introduced to Clement, a Lieutenant General of the invading Sainnite army. As in Fire Logic, Marks' characters are wonderful, and she has a great sense of place and creates believable and complex situations, dealing with trauma, loss, and hope. I loved the new character, Garland, a cook, and the way Marks writes about the importance of bodily sustenance and pleasure, whether it comes from food, physical affection, or nature. I also love the way she includes children and child-rearing in the story. So overal, there's a LOT I like here, but I was also frustrated by this book, because it feels over-long, and it lacks the tension and drive of Fire Logic. One of the major plot points () didn't really make sense to me, and I felt like a lot of this story ended up being an epilogue to Fire Logic rather than working as a narrative in its own right. That being said, I'll definitely look for more by this author.