The City of Silk and Steel
by Mike Carey, Linda Carey and Louise Carey
fantasy
copyright 2013
read in August 2013
rated 6/10: read to pass the time
Clever schemes, likeable characters, exotic location... An enjoyable book but not great.
The schemes are clever -- and unbelievably successful. Still, it's a fantasy :-)
There are good characters -- but far too many of them. Some stick in the mind. Others... I just accept without knowing who they are.
The book is, roughly, in two stages: creation then destruction. At the end of stage one -- I almost lose interest. Which is a pity.
The second half of the book has a clearer structure. It's easier to see the thread of logic which links the various actions. And the finale -- which is clearly signposted -- is more satisfying.
In a story of the rise and fall of a city it seems strange, that the fall is more satisfying than the rise. Yet the rise of this city is unbelievable. So unbelievable that you just know that there will be problems ahead.
Yet the fall of the city is not -- entirely -- a tragedy. There have been years of success. And the lessons from the city will live on through the ages.
Optimistic lessons, which perhaps the world has not really learnt. This book presents the lessons, in a readable and entertaining form.
It's an enjoyable book. And it made me think. Not always agreeing with the authors, perhaps ! But thinking, is enjoyable.
Read, enjoy, and look forward to whatever these authors produce next.
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