This is classic Action Fantasy involving a large cross section of people in a society struggling against civic corruption. Set in a world equivalent to our late 19th century, it still echoes problems we have today.
Authors take note; this story has used the marvelous technique of having an important backstory which is revealed slowly as the real-time plot progresses, just as we want to know more. This removes the need for a big, boring info dump we so often see in the opening pages of Fantasy novels, and instead becomes, “Oh boy, we’re going to learn more now.”
The story is filled with memorable characters, notable because of their complexity and individuality. The setting, people, and dialogue fit together effortlessly with an old, familiar merge reminiscent of Terry-Pratchett’s Discworld.
The title character is a gambler, and her ability to manipulate people with her spiel is one of the main devices that moves the plot forward. Many scenes involve her talking her way around other characters and changing their minds. It is fascinating to watch her slowly and gently morph the other person’s ideas through her application of simple logic.
Unfortunately, we can have too much of a good thing. Logical argument is interesting, but it takes time and lacks emotional power. After we have read several of these verbal battles, we know what the outcome is going to be, suspense fades and the scenes lose their emotional impact. Many of them are simply too long.
The same comment applies to the numerous hand-to-hand fights, which are described in intricate detail, but need more emotional content to create a stronger effect on the reader. Fortunately, the romantic interludes do not fall prey to this problem.
The writing quality is smooth, effortless, and well edited, but it has very slithery point of view, sliding without warning into the head of a different character, then fading back to a more omniscient position. And why doesn’t anybody seem to know the difference between “lay” and “laid?”
This is a very enjoyable and well-written book, but it is in need of tightening up and paring down to create more suspense and emotion. Violence and graphic sex restrict it to older teens and adults.
Four stars.
This review was originally posted on Reedsy Discovery.