"A fine fantasy"
Robert of Hermione exposes esteemed wizard Felix
Harrowgate of once being a prostitute. Felix does not
respond, but walks away from his so-called surprised
friends as his past as a slave has returned ending his
career at least inside the walls of Mirador. In the city proper of Melusine, Geniva Thomson hires cat
burglar Mildmay the Fox to steal a clock, a figurine and
jewelry from her alleged former lover Lord Otavius.
Mildmay easily succeeds, but feels compelled to do more
although he knows a wizard, perhaps his client, has
enchanted him. This wizard seeks Felix and will use any
pawn to achieve the objective. Felix and Mildmay meet on
the run and team up as both their lives seem forfeit, but
neither was prepared for what they learn about their
interwoven past, the threat of foreign strange magic
overwhelming Melusine nor how to even survive their trek
through bizarre magical realms to confront their common
foe. This fine fantasy rotates first person perspectives
between Felix and Mildmay until their paths collide. Thus
the audience gets a close look at the motives that drive
both protagonists, which brings realism to the Monette
fantasy realm where magic flows everywhere. Felix is
simply escaping a shameful past not of his making but
still humiliating while Mildmay may be caught by a
wizard's spell but also his childhood training as a thief-
slave that molded him comes across too. Fans of character
driven fantasies starring two distinct likable but flawed
heroes on personal quests of salvation will want to read
Sarah Monette's thrilling tale. Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 7, 2005
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 25, 2007
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