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A review by verkisto
The Tindalos Asset by Caitlín R. Kiernan
4.0
There's something about Kiernan's writing that begs you to slow down to read it. Sure, their unconventional narrative style is part of it, but there's also the fact that there are a lot of details that are easy to miss if you try to rush through one of their books. I think that's part of the reason why I rated Black Helicopters lower than Agents of Dreamland, and now The Tindalos Asset; I wasn't taking my time to revel in the narrative.
Kiernan's style reminds me a bit of Tanith Lee, and a bit of Kathe Koja. It's lush, but it's also impressionistic. I don't mind either (the characteristics help to create atmosphere, and make for very showy reads), but I hadn't made that connection until reading this novella. Like the other books in this series, it's a blend of Lovecraft and noir, populated with a mix of outcast characters. The story is told in an out-of-order chronology, but is also told in a way that, once you get to the end of it, feels as if it were told in order. It's impressive.
So far, my only experience with Kiernan is through this series. Happily, this won't be the last I read of their work.
Kiernan's style reminds me a bit of Tanith Lee, and a bit of Kathe Koja. It's lush, but it's also impressionistic. I don't mind either (the characteristics help to create atmosphere, and make for very showy reads), but I hadn't made that connection until reading this novella. Like the other books in this series, it's a blend of Lovecraft and noir, populated with a mix of outcast characters. The story is told in an out-of-order chronology, but is also told in a way that, once you get to the end of it, feels as if it were told in order. It's impressive.
So far, my only experience with Kiernan is through this series. Happily, this won't be the last I read of their work.