I loved this book because of its fantastic use of point of view. At times, it brought me right into the heads of the characters. Then, it zoomed out to the perspective of a news reporter. And back again.
This gave historical events of 200+ years ago an immediacy that, at times, made it hard to read. After all, I was experiencing the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.
Even though I knew how things were going to end for the characters, I kept hoping it would turn out differently. The final chapters are unsentimental but heart-wrenching.
This novel follows the lives of three major figures in the French Revolution - Robespierre, Danton and Desmoulins - from their childhoods in Northern France through to the last terrifying moments of their execution. The book juxataposes private occasions with public events.
This is a seafaring adventure story, except it happens in space, in the far-distant future. The Lost Star is a tramp spaceship with a long history and some dark secrets.
When Wil Litang becomes its acting captain, he has no idea where he and his crew will end up or what nail-biting adventures they will experience. As a reader, I was right there with them, fleeing space pirates through asteroid fields, visiting strange planets and stranger planetoids.
The best thing about the book is its matter-of-fact approach to space travel and the first-person narration by Captain Wil, liberally seasoned with "spaceer" slang. There were many places where I dreaded to read on but absolutely could not stop. Totally diverting and highly recommended.
Mainly because it's a book set in 1920s Harlem, written by an African-American writer who lived there at the time; all the characters are African-American. The language is rich and lively, full of "Harlemisms." There is an intricate murder mystery and a wealth of unique characters.
While Dr. Archer and the conjure-man Frimbo have erudite discussions about science and philosophy, the repartee of prime suspect Jinx Jenkins and his friend Bubber Brown is informal and full of colloquialisms and jokes, even in serious situations.
I had never read a book like this before. It was interesting and entertaining.
October 1962. The developing nuclear missile crisis in Cuba is of no concern to Francesca "France" Leighton. Recently turned 21, she travels to Luxor, Egypt, taking with her two legacies—an antique cello and an emerald ring.
Instead of the archaeological adventure she expects, she gets a lecherous dig director, hidden agendas, a risky balloon ride, and an enigmatic nuclear physicist.
As the world teeters on the brink of nuclear war, France calls upon resources both within and beyond herself to meet the perils in the world of the dead beneath the Western Peak. In the mysteries of the ancient tombs, France realizes she and her gifts may imperil the world—or save it.
