The sequel to "Ecstasia". Keeping with the same dark and magical theme, this book completes the "lack of ending" of the first book.

One of my favourite things about Block's work is that it's both accessible and mysterious. Her books read like poetry; there's a surface story there, to be sure, and the reader feels as though all the information they need is before them, but it's up to each individual to piece together just what the story means. I found this book both wonderful and maddening for just that reason. I know I'll want to reread it at least once more, and that I'll spend quite a bit of time thinking over the ideas and themes she's introduced here.

As is often the case with Block's novels, I also found it both beautiful and horrifying. Primavera's story is gorgeous and poetic, but there are some truly heartwrenching scenes. I felt deeply for all involved, and was swept up in their story.

One word of caution to the squeemish: there are some parts containing what might be interpreted as bestiality. I believe Block's saying that people are people no matter what their outer appearance, but some might find these portions offensive. ( )

I received Ecstasia as a gift many years ago, and then discovered that Primavera was out-of-print. I was very happy when it was re-published, but there was something amiss... perhaps because I am older now, the idea of being banished undergroung for aging is now rather, well, offensive. I realize that she was making a point, but I don't know anyone my age (or older for that matter) who would allow a bunch of pretty party boys and girls chase them underground. Bite me, pretty people.
But wow, centaur on human sex. Kinky! ( )

This is a beautiful, eerie little book, quite different from Block's other novels. It has many of the same themes, but rather than taking place in our world (or an approximation of it), it takes place in an unnamed world that could be our future. ( )