ecstatic"Worldbuilding. Oh, it’s oh so lovely. There are books where this area of fantasy feels effortlessly done and this is one of them. Too, it is infused into the book. It's as if the author planted a beautiful, huge tree, it sprouted and from its branches the rest of the book just flowed. I'm not usually a fan of the faery tales, the ones that deal directly with faeries, courts, and all the mystical qualities that come with them. With some books the worldbuilding feels too wispy, as if a slight breeze could knock it all down. Other times it's so heavy and cumbersome it’s ridiculous. I don't want to feel weighted down by a faery story, but I don't want it to be vague either. I felt that McGuire did an excellent job of turning San Francisco into more than a city, into something otherworldly and real, if not surreal."
...and...
"Another great new series to start the journey with, and I cannot wait for more. Very highly recommended."
Color me delighted. Meanwhile, Dirty Sexy Books was kind enough to provide a totally kick-ass review—I got their coveted top rating!—and I couldn't be happier. Again, to quote:
"I predict that this new series will be an urban fantasy powerhouse. It was beautifully woven and heartbreakingly tragic; I felt tears pricking my eyes after the prologue, and I don’t consider myself a complete softy. I admire Seanan McGuire’s prose for making me feel the magic with all five senses, and whether it was beautiful or terrible, it was always alien and strange. I felt like a trespasser who was given a secret tour of a San Francisco that no human will ever see and live."
I kinda want to get "urban fantasy powerhouse" tattooed on my wrist, where I can just look at it when I'm down. Also, I envy her skill with plot summary. Hers begins "The story begins fourteen years ago, when October Daye was a wife, a mother, and a liar..." That's so perfect. I'm jealous.
Finally, I have a review in the new issue of Romantic Times...and they gave Rosemary and Rue four and a half stars. HOLY CRAP. I mean, just...HOLY CRAP.
Twenty days.
We're almost there.
August 11 2009, 19:48:38 UTC 7 years ago
I placed my pre-order yesterday. Sadly, it will arrive while I am out of the country or else it would be my plane read of choice!
August 12 2009, 14:41:15 UTC 7 years ago