A review by branch_c
The Merchant of Dreams by Anne Lyle

3.0

This follow-up to The Alchemist of Souls has many of the same high points that led me to regard the first book so highly. The characters are interesting and their motivations realistically complex yet understandable. The setting is uniquely creative in its use of the New World skraylings as a kind of fairy-folk and the supernatural dream world they have access to, but also surprisingly down to earth in its realistic depiction of Europe in Elizabethan times. This aspect is, if anything, more apparent in this volume, where Lyle's knowledge and research are clearly extensive. In addition to the seemingly intimate knowledge of both London and Venice, there are endless details of numerous aspects of life in that time and place, from food, lodging and other domestic affairs to sailing, navigation, court intrigue, international trade and spycraft, all with terminology that seems to effortlessly ring true to the reader.

Having said all that, I have to admit that I found the reading of this book a bit tedious at times - in spite of the numerous positive qualities mentioned above, I rarely felt truly engaged or drawn to the events of the story. Not sure what to blame this on exactly. Maybe the machinations of the Catlyns and other characters were just too subtle and intricate to hold my interest? Maybe the book was a bit overlong and could have benefited from some trimming to tighten it up and heighten the pace?

Also in case Lyle or the editorial staff is reading this, I should mention that I was sad to see the word "prevarication" used to mean "hesitation" (p. 129) - as much as it may seem like it should mean that! A trivial thing, I know, but jarring in the context of the otherwise impeccable use of language.

Anyway, not a bad read by any means, with many positive attributes.