Having thoroughly disliked the previous book I'd read I was in the mood for something nice, and I'd been saving this for about a year so it seemed as good a time as any. It's not the most plot-driven of McKillip's works by a long chalk – there isn't even really an antagonist; people are foolish, blinkered, misguided, but not actually bad – but it was, as one expects from this author, a lovely, enchanting read, lyrically written and peopled with characters one would not at all mind spending one's life with. (By the way, although I can figure out most of what's going on in the cover art, I am at a loss to account for the man in what appears to be a diver's helmet in the upper left-hand corner.) ( )

I generally love Patricia McKillip's books and the plot of this one sounded interesting, so I picked it up from the library. Unfortunately, the ongoing reading funk got it and I found myself grinding to a half about a third of the way into it. I put it down to start something else and didn't have the urge to go back to it (I guess this should teach me to stick with a book rather than being tempted by something else, as I often don't go back to them). I think there were just too many characters and plot-threads the story was following for me to keep up. If McKillip had just stuck with the main plotline that was in the blurb I'd had enjoyed it more. But we just kept on getting more and more characters.

Knowing McKillip, I'm sure it all came together at the end, but sadly I didn't make it that far.

I've ordered her new book, The Bell at Sealey Head, in hardcover so I hope this isn't an indication of my current ability to read McKillip books.

Od Magic
Patricia A. McKillip
Did Not Finish

One of McKillip's best so far--

I liked it and it had gorgeous imagery but it fell a little flat. A lot happens in this book without actually having stuff happen, and in the end everything is tied up in a neat little bow. And there are time when McKillip actually overdoes it with the imagery. Alphabet of Thorn was a much better read. ( )

http://www.refracted-light.net/odmagi... ( )