Laura Anne Gilman Reviews

Page One

Added June 14, 2005

Curse the Dark

A Retrievers Novel

Author: Laura Anne Gilman
Publisher: Luna Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: July 2005
Genre: Fantasy: Urban/Romantic
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $13.95
ISBN: 0-373-80227-7
Author Email/Website: www.sff.net/people/LauraAnne.Gilman
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus
Rating: 8.5 Gargoyles

Curse the Dark is sequel to Laura Anne Gilman's outstanding book, Staying Dead. I was afraid that this book would have Second Book Syndrome, but Ms. Gilman not only proved me wrong, but made it that I really like this book more than the first. Wren and Sergei are on the track of a missing manuscript, but the people watching over it have no clue to the magical properties or the problems inherent in it being unleashed. The only thing history says is that those who are around it when it's unveiled and unprotected go Poof.

For Wren, this assignment is bad enough, especially as it comes via the Silence, Sergei's old group. But on top of that, Sergei and her haven't quite figured out their relationship, the fatae are upset and are being hunted, and the Council seems to be waiting for Wren to fall. Yet her friends Tree-taller and PB are there by her side, or at least in her apartment fermenting revolution. If she didn't love them both, she'd consider kicking their asses. So, how can one lonejack wrap up her assignment, deal with the fatae, the Council, and the Silence while managing to figure out a balance for her relationship with Sergei? Usually by the worst means possible, but will Wren manage to get everything worked out?

This story has it all - sex, great plots and subplots, and a wonderful cast of characters. I admit that I'm very fond of PB. That demon reminds me of my polar bear stuffed animal I once owned. Granted a deadly polar bear, but still. His comebacks and his friendship with Wren really hits home, even while you're rooting for Wren to pop him one when he puts her at risk. Yet through the friendship issues and the finding of peace for Wren, you feel as if you're Wren. You feel the emotions she does and you're racing in your reading to find what happens next. The only time that feeling stopped, at least for me was when we went to a couple of scenes dealing with the Silence itself. Though it helped in understanding the story a bit better, it did get me out of the Wren flow as I call it. I love the Wren flow.

If you're wanting a great contemporary fantasy that not only has romantic elements, but also excitement with a touch of mystery, then Curse the Dark is the book for you. I can't wait for the next installment in this series. Then again, I'm hoping for a short story all about PB too. Wonder who I contact for that? :)

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Updated! April 17, 2006

Staying Dead

A Retrievers Novel

Author: Laura Anne Gilman
Publisher: Luna Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: June 2006
Genre: Fantasy: Urban
Format: Paperback
Price: $6.99
ISBN: 0373802536
Author Email/Website: www.sff.net/people/LauraAnne.Gilman
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

It was supposed to be an easy job: go in, find out who had stolen the cornerstone and retrieve it. Too bad it didn't stay easy. For once, it looked like she might actually have to work. A gifted Retriever, Wren Valere made her living finding things and returning to their owners, no questions asked. The crazier her current job became, the more she wished she asked questions.

Her business partner Sergei uses his connections to find some answers, but just in case, Wren calls in some magical help. Dealing with magic-users is always interesting, especially when one is a minor demon and another a current (magic) junkie. As she learns more about her client and the missing cornerstone, the more dangerous her job becomes. All the information they turn up points to the Council of Mages as being involved. Dealing with the Council is always dangerous, especially when you're a lonejack.

Between assassination attempts, an extermination group wanting to kill all magic-users, and her changing and confusing feelings for Sergei, Wren has her hands full. Especially once she learns blood magic was involved. Will she be able to complete her job before something goes horribly wrong?

A bit slow to pull the reader in, Staying Dead quickly picks up and holds your attention. Wren is an intriguing character and the interplay between her and Sergei is riveting. The plot was engaging and trying to unravel the mystery was thrilling with plenty of twists, turns and complete surprises. Grounded in this world, the world of the Retrievers is familiar and the creatures populating it familiar as well. Ms. Gilman makes them all very matter-of-fact to the point where it isn't an alternate universe but a different view of the original. There is a level of complexity to Staying Dead which holds the promise of many more novels in the Retrievers series, not to mention the ongoing relationship between Wren and Sergei. Very highly recommended.

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