The Jewel and Her Lapidary

It’s an epic fantasy packed in a tiny novelette! I’m really impressed with how the author handled the world building. We jump straight into the action and everything is revealed bit by bit. And there is so much to reveal! The complex magic system, powerful gems, the Jewels (the royal family who rule......more

I know I've only read two of Fran Wilde's tales, but I'm getting the impression that I'm just not her audience at all. I was reading this for her Hugo nomination this year and I had high hopes because some authors can really kick butt with the shorter stuff even if their longer works fall short for s......more

I enjoyed Wilde's 'Updraft,' although I thought it was a bit too similar to Zilpha Keatley Snyder's 'Greensky' trilogy. When I saw this at the library, I thought I'd give the author a second try. The concept of jewels that are invested with magical powers isn't a new one, but this slim novella gives......more

I was pretty excited to read this Tor.com novella, particularly because of all the good things I’ve heard about Wilde’s debut novel. I found it a little too compressed, though, and confusing because of it; there’s a lot going on, with a whole new fantasy world, a magic system without a proper tutori......more

This novella had a cool premise (if not entirely unique) presented in a format that didn’t serve it. The very short page count was a disservice, forcing the author to rely on rapid world building, insufficient character development, and rushed pacing. I found I didn’t care about the characters and t......more