Sean Williams impresses me more with each book of his, and I think it's safe to say that I'm now a confirmed fan. I really appreciate the intelligence and humanity that underpins his works; characters question, grow and change, the world-building is solid and unusual, the imagery is frequently arresting. This story in this, the third Book of the Cataclysm, is smooth and taut, adroitly introducing new characters and societies while moving the overall narrative forward. Very much recommended. ( )

http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=5588 ( )

The book definitely operates as a stand-alone, though I'm not sure how many readers would want to brave reading this title before getting all the necessary background from the first two books. I will say it seems to have its own thread of story while connecting to the overall scheme from the first two books and easily leading into the fourth. But it's a good read: as far as fantasy goes, it's not so heavy that I feel like I'm clawing for air every time I stop reading (as I do with Martin or Carey), and it's not so light that I forget about it as soon as I close the book. The world-building and story feels solid, and Williams blends the right amount of familiar with strange into his fantasy to keep me interested. It's an easy series to recommend, especially to anyone who enjoys fantasy. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the first two books, as well as the fourth.

For the full review, which may or may not include spoilers, please click here: http://calico-reaction.livejournal.com/38637.html ( )