J. A. Pitts

This book has a basically OK story, basically OK writing, and basically OK characterization. It reminded me strongly of Mercedes Lackey's urban fantasy novels (the ones with elves showing up at Ren Faires, building racecars, and saving abused children). The inclusion of Norse mythology is unusual, and kind of cool, but overall the book lacked something. I never entirely bought the primary relationship, and consequently I never fully engaged in the story.

It could be that I was biased from the start, knowing that it's a novel about a lesbian character written by a straight man. Maybe I would have been more willing to believe in the romance if it was written by a dyke. (I do want to clarify that I didn't find anything in the characterization objectionable or troubling -- it's not an offensive book, just not an excellent one, and in fact, I appreciate seeing a man write from the POV of a woman.)… (mer)

Well, this was a pleasant surprise. The second book of the year and it's a 5 star book.

Dragons, trolls, ogres, blacksmiths, Norse Gods, and witches. What more could you want? Oh, all of that set in a modern day setting? No problem; the author is already ahead of you.

I loved how the author showed that they knew a bit about smithing; usually you don't get that.

I've seen some negative reviews about this book; and from the looks of its because they were expecting a fast paced, action adventure urban novel.

That's not what this novel is about. It's more of a romance novel about a lesbian coming to terms with herself set in an urban fantasy setting. And for that type of book, it was excellent.

This is one of the few books where I really don't have any complaints. I'm eager to start the second one.… (mer)