Review: Fantasy Is Fun Again
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 9, 2013
THE SABLE CITY can be summed up in one phrase: epic fantasy is fun again. This is the sort of book you read for pleasure, lose yourself in, and hate to see end. The only consolation is, the series continues.The author writes with a relaxed, authoritative style, never rushing through scenes, yet never dragging them out or belaboring the point. It begins with Captain Block, a rather unusual dwarf, choosing a young warrior to accompany him on a delicate political mission -- to locate House Deskata lost heir, thereby averting war. Known for his instincts and his "jeweler's eye," Block chooses Tilda Lanai, who is sworn to fight and die for the Deskatas. Along the way, they encounter Dugan, an ex-soldier, and gradually your typical fantasy fellowship is formed: the swordsman, the cleric/fighter, the healer, the wizard, and so on. The author handles these archetypes deftly, giving each a distinct persona and backstory. They function well in his perfectly-imagined world, where magic and muskets coexist with dragons, hobgoblins, and entire hierarchy of devils.If you enjoy fun adventure stories with engaging characters, give this one a try.