The Drowning Review

Hey,

Although I finished it up a bit ago, I haven't reviewed The Drowning City by Amanda Downum. It was pretty good.

You've got Isyllt Iskaldur, a necromancer and spy from the country of Selafaian. She travels with her bodyguards/agents to the city of Symir in Sivahra. Sivahra is a subject state of the Empire of Assari. The Assari Emperor thinks it's time for Assari to once again try and invade Selafain. Since Symir provides a great deal of welth to fund the Assari coffers, Isyllt is here to ferment rebellion and throw things off course. In the process of attempting to set up a nice little revolution, Isyllt uncovers a deeper plot involving the emperor and discovers that the enemy of an enemy isn't always a friend.

The book has very solid pacing and good plotting. I thought I had a handle on the big reveal early on, but I was wrong, so I give that some points. Magic is a very real presence in the world where spirits are often stalking the living and magical charms/spells are the only relief. In particular, magic is shaped, stored and fueled by gemstones. Rubies contain fiery magic while diamonds imprison spirits and enslaves them to their owner. There's lots of small touches that quickly sketch out cultures without bringing in Bob Exposition.

The book purports to be part of a series, but neatly wraps up in the one volume so full marks for that. It's certainly worth a look if you're looking for some well-done fantasy.

later
Tom

The Drowning Review

Hey,

Although I finished it up a bit ago, I haven't reviewed The Drowning City by Amanda Downum. It was pretty good.

You've got Isyllt Iskaldur, a necromancer and spy from the country of Selafaian. She travels with her bodyguards/agents to the city of Symir in Sivahra. Sivahra is a subject state of the Empire of Assari. The Assari Emperor thinks it's time for Assari to once again try and invade Selafain. Since Symir provides a great deal of welth to fund the Assari coffers, Isyllt is here to ferment rebellion and throw things off course. In the process of attempting to set up a nice little revolution, Isyllt uncovers a deeper plot involving the emperor and discovers that the enemy of an enemy isn't always a friend.

The book has very solid pacing and good plotting. I thought I had a handle on the big reveal early on, but I was wrong, so I give that some points. Magic is a very real presence in the world where spirits are often stalking the living and magical charms/spells are the only relief. In particular, magic is shaped, stored and fueled by gemstones. Rubies contain fiery magic while diamonds imprison spirits and enslaves them to their owner. There's lots of small touches that quickly sketch out cultures without bringing in Bob Exposition.

The book purports to be part of a series, but neatly wraps up in the one volume so full marks for that. It's certainly worth a look if you're looking for some well-done fantasy.

later
Tom