Review: Surprisingly Relate-able and Fantastically Written
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 9, 2014
Honestly, I was intrigued by Escobar's book because it seemed so unlikely a read. That is, I could not fathom an author combining wizardry, alchemy, Nazi Germany, espionage, time travel and vampires into something intelligible. Boy, I was WRONG. And I've never enjoyed being wrong more. This book is not only intelligible, it is smart, sometimes funny, heartbreaking, thrilling, relate-able, and expertly paced.Escobar seems to effortless combine all of these interesting fantasy and sci-fi tropes without completely overwhelming her characters, the plot or her reader. In fact, I, like so many of her characters, felt that it was only natural that Miss George, the main character, used her alchemy to fend of vampires and Nazis alike.Indeed, the only reason this book would not receive a perfect rating (I would give it a 4.8) is that I wanted more of an outsider's view on the fantastical side of Nazi fighting resistance. I was left wondering how all of these magical and paranormal intrigues were kept at bay from the normal masses, but I have not read the next two books, though I fully intend to do so just after writing this review, so my wondering may yet be answered.This book is made more wonderful because of the main character. So many strong female characters are written as unfeminine, off-putting or violent, and, while Miss George is sometimes forced to act similarly, at times, it is clear that she also craves normalcy, love, and long term stability. She is feminine and a arguably, feminist, by simply allowing herself to be feminine and strong simultaneously. I loved her p.o.v. I loved her complexity, the friends she meets along the way and her ferocious and frightening enemies. And, like Miss George, I'm always in skeptic mode, wondering which friend or enemy will reveal him/herself to be other.The well paced plot, the effortless dialogue, the expertly edited and refined text, and the vivid imagination of Escobar all create a story that is quickly consumed but that leaves you thinking about it long after you've finished. Add Escobar to your MUST READ list.