Point of Dreams

Upon finishing this novel, I set it aside with a feeling of satisfaction, as if I'd had a good meal. The mystery was well-done, the fantastic elements of the story and the world well-conceived, the backstory well-integrated and relatively easy to pick up once I got into the rhythm of the plot.

Scott and Barnett write with an attention to detail and a richness of atmosphere not often found in fantasy. The Italian Renaissance atmosphere (to me, the city seems like Venice) and the stylized social structure is fascinating. The behind-the-scenes theatre action seems true-to-life, at least so far as my theatre experience has been.

The story moves along leisurely, over the course of a few days, and (forgive the clumsy metaphor) feels like dark show more chocolate syrup, rich, bittersweet, and luxurious.

It seems to me the society is matriarchal, as all the truly powerful positions were held by women, which is a refreshing change from most fantasy. And everyone seemed to have a mother, but I can't recall a mention of anyone's father.

The idea of the ghost-tide, in which our dead appear to us at a particular time of year, was especially appealing. I wouldn't mind seeing my grandparents again.

I'll be keeping my eye out for the previous two novels set in this world. show less

This is a sequel to Point of Hopes. Basically, this is a mystery series; it just happens to be set in a fantasy world with an interesting cosmology and magic system. Just as the real test of whether you're likely to enjoy Hammerfall is whether you enjoy Cherryh's fantasy, not her sf, I think the real test of whether you're likely to enjoy this book is whether you enjoy mystery series, not whether you enjoy fantasy series.

Astreiant is the capital city of a land with a roughly 17th century level of technology, with the difference that magic and divination work, with interesting effects on the culture. Somewhat earlier than in our world, the inhabitants are inventing policemen--called pointsmen--to investigate crimes and arrest show more malefactors. This is still a new idea, and the pointsmen, especially the Chief and Adjunct Points who have to deal with aristocracy unaccustomed to the idea that anyone other than the Queen can question their actions, have problems because of it.

Adjunct Point Nicholas Rathe, recently transferred from Point of Hopes to Point of Dreams, is handed a murder investigation which is potentially politically explosive, and has another murder investigation snatched away from him and handed to a younger but well-connected pointsman of whose abilities he entertains serious doubts. Meanwhile, his lover, Philip Eslingen, has lost his former position and found another, as the newest member of the Masters of the Guild of Defense, who provide all military and/or fighting performances in Astreiant's theaters. Life is further enlivened by the fact that this is the Ghost Tide, the time of year when even the normally quiet dead return to visit their living friends and family. None of these things, naturally, remains unrelated to the others.

Very enjoyable. show less

Upgraded from three to four stars - I enjoyed this more on re-read than I originally did. The mystery plot is fun and clever, and the dynamic between Rathe and Eslingen is wonderful. But the real star in this series is the worldbuilding. The reimagined Elizabethan era with gender equity and full acceptance of queer relationships is both well thought-out and satisfying to linger in. Very rewarding read.

As well written and exciting as Point of Hopes . Philip and Nico are just way too cute. The mystery was pretty interesting and well developed. I wouldn't hesitate to pick it up.

I'd hoped the sequel to [b:Point of Hopes|73574|Lud-In-The-Mist|Hope Mirrlees|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170838797s/73574.jpg|71204] would be better, but alas. I had the same problems (too much minutia, not enough emotion, characterization, excitement) as I did with the first.

Didn't like it as much as [b:Point of Hopes|836592|Point of Hopes |Melissa Scott|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1336165029s/836592.jpg|2136966], partly because I particularly liked the apprentices in that book. But the overall story was interesting enough; it was nice to visit that world again; it's nice to read stories in which samesex relationships are just taken for granted; and the flower magic was very clever.

The sequel to Point of Hopes, this novel was not quite as fascinating, and I thought the exposition was rather poorly-handled; for no apparently good reason, they leave the reader confused as to what the "Alphabet of Desire," which plays a central role in the plot, actually is. The romance between Nico and Philip continues to develop, however, and they're so cute! Awww. I found myself really wishing for a third novel, or, failing that, a fanfic called, of course, "Point of Hearts." (Unfortunately, due to the death of co-author Lisa Barnett, there will not be a third novel. A tragic loss.)