This third book in Kowal's Glamourist series finds married magical muralists Jane and Vincent taking on a new commission in London. Because the Napoleonic wars have left suitors in short supply in the countryside, the pair decides to bring Jane's younger sister, Melody, along to experience the social season. But once there, Jane and Vincent discover labor protests, unfounded anger against the young coldmongers (glamourists who have the ability to manipulate cold in small doses, but are being blamed for a snowy spring), and manipulations by Vincent's estranged father. As they get more comfortable in London, they suspect that all three elements may be intertwined.
I love this series, which is probably best described as "Jane Austen with magic." What really makes it fantastic, however, is Kowal's attention to detail. For example, in an afterword about the history, she notes that in 1816 (the year in which this book is set), there really were unseasonable snows, and she makes sure that the days in which it is snowing in the book are days that recorded snow in the annals of history. Knowing that she has so carefully created the historical elements makes it so much easier to fall into the relationships, plots, and magic. I can't wait to read the next one.
No comments:
Post a Comment