Review: Review of The Dragon and The Lotus
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 14, 2011
Yay!! Another novel in the "Other Earth" series!!!  The Dragon and The Lotus follows a slightly different path than the previous Other Earth books.  First, instead of the story taking place over a few days, it takes place over years.  Second, instead of taking place in and around the more technologically oriented areas, such as Marrakesh, it takes place far to the East. So far away that the railroads haven't even reached yet.  However the mysterious sun steal has. But in the land of Ming, and in the hands of Asha especially, it has become a tool for healing instead of a weapon for stealing men's souls.Okay, sorry started sounding like the back of a book for a minute. Even though I could go on like that for pages, cause it really is that good.I really liked this one. The Dragon and The Lotus is different from the Halcyon novels. Less tech more magic. The story takes place over years not days and as I said before it is set in the far east of his world instead of the more western area near southern Europe and northern Africa. ***spoiler alert*** Although Lewis certainly has no problem introducing the Eastern edge of his world to it's Western counterparts. And while I didn't get to see Bastet again, (*SIGH*), I did get to see some who I am assuming are some of her "relatives".  Which was almost as interesting as Bastet herself. (Sorry I just have a soft spot for a girl with her own personal cat army)***End Spoiler alert***Plus the way the chapters were set up was quite interesting. Each chapter is basically it's own mini-story.  But the book still flows smoothly through all of them.  Each chapter being a continuation in the lives and adventures of Asha and Priya. ***spoiler alert***Each chapter slowly revealing how their friendship develops, and how that friendship is what makes all the difference when not only lives but Asha's sanity and soul are on the line as well. ***end spoiler alert***While this isn't exactly the same style he used for his previous novels. Lewis's descriptions of the country that they travel through is breathtaking. Making the land just as much a character as the actual people that inhabit it. Also since the time period during the book is longer, while there are still great action scenes, the book has more of a laid back feel to it.  But don't make any mistake it is still a page turner. I didn't want it to end and I am eagerly looking forward to the next book about Asha and Priya.This book is easily a stand alone novel. If you haven't read his previous works in the "Other Earth" series you won't feel lost. It is just as easily a great introduction to Lewis's Other Earth and I highly recommend it.