Bitch of a view, ain't it, said the gargoyle.: As he showed so expertly in _Jack Faust,_ industrialism and medievalism are two sides of the same rusty coin. Jane is a mortal changeling, kidnapped by the powers of a very unpleasant version of Faerie to be a "breeder," producing half-elf pilots for the iron dragons. Until she's old enough for that, though, she's put to work in a dragon factory, working twelve hours a day and living a dreary, dangerous existence with other children, none of whom are human. But that's just the beginning of her life, which will take her through a sort-of high school and then to the university in The Gray City, and which will turn on her talents as a thief, her carefully nurtured cold-bloodedness, her discovery of sex, and especially on her relationship with a slightly insane rogue dragon. While it's common enough for female authors to create thoroughly believable male protagonists, the reverse, for some reason, is much less often the case. Swanwick, however, does a first-rate job with Jane and with the supporting cast that haunts her life. A bleak, disturbing, and mind-grabbing book you will reread periodically -- I guarantee it.

There was nothing to like about this book. It was dark and depressing from beginning to end (and I usually like dark and depressing!). None of the characters are likeable. The main character seems to repeat her awful experiences everywhere she goes, and yet the book feels like it goes nowhere. I don't recommend reading it. ( )

When a young girl decides to get out of a bad situation (and the same for a dragon) the getting out part works, bad situations are still plentiful.

The book follows her as she grows up, goes to school, and communicates with said mechanical beast throughout this goddess run alchemical sex magic setting. With a bit of necromancy.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2009/02... ( )

http://www.lonelymountain.net/books/a... ( )

http://www.fascinationplace.org/2008/... ( )