ISBN: 1-892065-18-5 Order from: Amazon.com
A pleasant but unexceptional fantasy, with a lot of view-hopping, and conventional elements.
Reviewed by David on December 08, 2002
Genre: Fantasy (Intrigue, High Fantasy)
Synopsis: Empire of Bharaghlaf has been blessed with a thoughtful and kind Emperor. Alas, he is almost powerless, and the ruthles noble houses scheme and murder with little restraint. Meanwhile, the slums remain poor and deadly for their inhabitants.
The book describes a group of children from the slums, when they become embroiled in noble schemes. A group of children adopt animal names; the oldest, Ferret, is a thief. Ferret and her friends are used to the dangers on the streets of the city, however, nothing prepared them for the ruthlessness and paranoia of the ruling houses when they play for power.
Full Review: It's written mostly for young adults; there are some intense scenes in the book, though.
Ferret herself is interesting, but the viewpoints shifts constantly between different characters, leaving little room for engagement. Most of the action is streamlined, almost oversimplified; and the magic is fairly superficial.
On the whole, a pleasant fantasy, but not gripping, original or intricate enought to stand out.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 4.5; Style: 5; World-building: 5; Originality: 4;
Copyright date 2000, Meisha Merlin Publishing, April 2000, Trade paperback, 281 pages
ISBN: 1-892065-18-5 Order from: Amazon.com