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A review by kadomi
Cold Magic by Kate Elliott
4.0
3.5 stars. I have liked Kate Elliot since The Golden Key when I stumbled across her as huge Melanie Rawn fan. *insert forlorn sigh about the Exiles books* The previous series I read of hers was long (seven books) but for the most part enjoyable. The Spiritwalker Trilogy seems to be an interesting beast. Set in the 19th century of a fantasy version of Europe with an extended ice age, it is a wild mix of Afro-Celtic steampunk storytelling with magic thrown in. All sorts of historical influence in a world where technology is ever increasing, with airships, and mages who want to stop the rise of technology, while workers in the Industrial revolution rise to free themselves from oppressive monarchy and mage houses.
As interesting as that all sounds on paper, the start of the book is painfully slooooooow. Not only that, but nothing makes sense whatsoever. We start with Catherine and Beatrice, cousins and members of the Phoenician Bassi Harahal family. 20 and 19 years old respectively, their lives are fairly normal, until an arrogant cold mage called Andevai comes to their home to force the eldest girl to marry him, based on some contract the mages have with the family. Catherine is yanked away, and starts a voyage that teaches her a lot about her own past, her family ties, and the political machinations surrounding her and her cousin.
The book really doesn't pick up until around the 50% mark, but from there, it's quite exciting. I love political intrigues in fantasy, and that's where the setting shines. I am excited to read the next book now. I just wish it won't struggle with the pacing as much as Cold Magic did.
As interesting as that all sounds on paper, the start of the book is painfully slooooooow. Not only that, but nothing makes sense whatsoever. We start with Catherine and Beatrice, cousins and members of the Phoenician Bassi Harahal family. 20 and 19 years old respectively, their lives are fairly normal, until an arrogant cold mage called Andevai comes to their home to force the eldest girl to marry him, based on some contract the mages have with the family. Catherine is yanked away, and starts a voyage that teaches her a lot about her own past, her family ties, and the political machinations surrounding her and her cousin.
The book really doesn't pick up until around the 50% mark, but from there, it's quite exciting. I love political intrigues in fantasy, and that's where the setting shines. I am excited to read the next book now. I just wish it won't struggle with the pacing as much as Cold Magic did.