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Book Review
Nov. 10th, 2016 11:14 pmA Shadow in Summer
by Daniel Abraham
This fantasy novel, the first of a four book series, is set in the city-state of Saraykeht, a powerful and wealthy place clearly inspired by the eastern end of the Silk Road. Saraykeht maintains its power and wealth through its poet-sorcerers who control captive spirits. When a foreign trading house is used as the vehicle in a bid to bring down Saraykeht's power, the various characters in the book are drawn into the intrigue and machinations.
There was a lot to like about A shadow in Summer, and I am very interested in how everything plays out over the next three books. I loved the setting and world-building - Abraham was very adept at combining familiar elements with original ones. I especially liked the way gesture was woven into the language and communication customs of Saraykeht. I also really liked how the conflicts and stakes in the plot were on a nearly epic level, but Abraham's focus on the characters and their relationships made the story feel intimate and personal.
by Daniel Abraham
This fantasy novel, the first of a four book series, is set in the city-state of Saraykeht, a powerful and wealthy place clearly inspired by the eastern end of the Silk Road. Saraykeht maintains its power and wealth through its poet-sorcerers who control captive spirits. When a foreign trading house is used as the vehicle in a bid to bring down Saraykeht's power, the various characters in the book are drawn into the intrigue and machinations.
There was a lot to like about A shadow in Summer, and I am very interested in how everything plays out over the next three books. I loved the setting and world-building - Abraham was very adept at combining familiar elements with original ones. I especially liked the way gesture was woven into the language and communication customs of Saraykeht. I also really liked how the conflicts and stakes in the plot were on a nearly epic level, but Abraham's focus on the characters and their relationships made the story feel intimate and personal.
