Davinia Evans

Siyon Velo is a wannabe alchemist who has a lot of talent and drive but not a lot of formal training. When a quick trip into another plane for alchemical resources leaves him with something valuable, he barters it for protection and some additional training from one of the city's great alchemists. But the alchemy is still unbalanced, and soon Siyon finds himself on the run as the city's rulers try to track him down, even though Siyon might be the key to balancing the planes.

My description show more doesn't do this book justice -- there are a lot of moving parts, a fun cast of characters, and some really interesting worldbuilding that combined to make this a really good read for me. I had one issue with a character's motivations that were never explained, but other than that I had a good time and am excited to continue the series. show less

all the details are unexpected and so much fun in juxtaposition - the city, the characters, the setup. an opera explains some of the finer points of the magical properties of the world. the apparently random rules of a game of cards draws the plot together. a harpy suddenly appears in a different universe, and even turns out to have her own charms. this unpredictable nature of things that might be read on the next page, combined with the various conflictions of the lively characters, lends a show more sense of whirlwind excursion to the whole book, the first of a series, and i'll happily turn up for the next one to see what the author might think up next. show less

Fun and inventive. Lovely world-building, centered around a Mediterranean-ish port city that feels more thought-out than many similar ones on recent fiction. Has an interesting take on magic, the meticulous description of which is actually relevant to the plot for once. The character's are not terribly complex, and a bit one-note at times, but they are likeable and drives the plot forward. Maybe not Great Literature, but a nice enough diversion for fantasy fans. It feels like a labour of love.

I love this cast so much. Auntie Geryss with her “I believe in you, now fuck off”. The adorable captain hooligan Daruj, with all his hugs and swashbuckling and “you be careful”s. And the Savani sisters. OOOOF they really said move we’re the mains. (Anahid, especially—I liked her bits best, probably because her love language is card games and guest beds.)

Couldn’t tell you shit about the alchemy lol but still. What a crew. Sparkling dialogue and tender relationships I'd happily show more read more of in a sequel. show less