I reckon this deserves at least three stars. I have given up half way through. I’m planning on giving it another try though. ( )

Easily my favorite non-murderbot Wells book. Just solid fantasy writing, lots to keep your attention, great character- and world-building. ( )

This is not going to be my favourite Martha Wells book. It was first published in 1995 - this means that I was looking at the evolution of Murderbot's creator (All hail, Murderbot!).

It was a NICE, solid fantasy novel. I liked the post-apocalyptic setting and the relic-hunting business. The characters were likable, but not very interesting. After a slow start, the plot became more exciting - yet I found it kind of messy (of a "oh, and then this just happened" variety).

I will definitely be reading more by Martha Wells, but it might be a good idea to go for her more recent books. ( )

*Free e-book ARC made available by the publisher through Edelweiss Plus - thank you!*

Khat is a krisman living in the city of Charisat, an outsider and second-class citizen, but he has built a life and a partnership with Sagai. They deal in relics of an ancient people who left behind only hints of the technologies people were once proficient in, the Waste where most krismen live, and the kris themselves. Then, a powerful Warder demands Khat's help, first as a guide into the Waste, and then in finding two specific relics that may help unlock the past.

I really enjoyed the time I spent with Khat, Sagai and Elen, the understudy of the powerful Warder who works most closely with the pair in their adventures. The world-building and descriptions of the city were complicated, and while I like a good complex world, it did slow things down for me in the beginning as I struggled to wrap my head around what everything must look like. But the characters are great, their struggles and initial distrust of each other believable and empathetic, and I became invested in their story. I will look forward to reading more of Wells's backlist. ( )

Khat is a krisman, an artificially created adaption of human stock designed to live in the Waste that the planet has become, making a living in the semi-legal relics trade in the city of Charisat which is generally hostile not only to krisman but to all non-citizens, strictly restricting their livelihoods and living places. When he is pressured into assisting a couple of patricians to escape a debt he knows he might be taking too big a chance. He is, but it's even worse - as it always is, but also interesting. The pace and flow of this book was a bit slow for me, and the characters never quite felt "in gear" though they seemed to have potential. ( )