Very interesting, but crowded. Follows at least 4 different subgroups, can be a bit confusing. He took some from Eyes of Silver with names and some reincarnation ideas. Overall tho? Thoroughly enjoying it! Much better than his DragonCrownWar cycle. ( )

(Alistair) Well, yes, the maps really are more than just regular maps. In the hands of a Mystic mapmaker, anyway, since as we learn in the early part of the book, a really, really good cartographer can whip up a mountain range exactly where he wants one, presto! Cartomancy, indeed.

Anyway, this book maintains the really high standard set by A Secret Atlas(booklogged here), although it must be said, the plot thread divergence sure isn't decreasing any. But then, this is the middle book of the triology, so there's still one more to wrap it all up in. :)

The plot, of course, both thickens and accelerates - international political intrigue, intrigue between nations' rulers and their bureaucracy, the ascension, or re-ascension rather of a god - which, for once, is merely part of one thread of the plot - architectural sabotage, the invasion of the mainland by hitherto unheard-of creatures, and old gods returning. Really, it's a whole lot of plots running together...

Just my kind of book! Can't wait for the next one.

( http://weblog.siliconcerebrate.com/cerebrate/2009/10/cartomancy_michael_a_stackp... ) ( )

A very good follow-up to the first book of the trilogy. Builds up the promise for the final book. ( )

http://www.sfrevu.com/ISSUES/2004/Review.php?asin=0553382381 ( )

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