Anna S. (annapi) reviewed on 3/19/2010 + 334 more book reviews

Lindskold's new fantasy series blends Chinese culture and magic in a fascinating and unusual mix of ancient, modern and arcane. Faintly reminiscent of the magical atmosphere in her novel The Buried Pyramid (which dealt with Egyptian culture), this weaves a story of a deposed emperor exiled with his 12 advisors into our world. After living in hiding for a couple of generations, danger suddenly threatens the 13 as one by one the memories of their magical abilities are stolen. Brenda, heir to her father's magic of the Rat, is just about to be taught her heritage and introduced to the emperor's descendant when they realize something is wrong with his mind. Together with the Tiger, Dog, Hare and Rooster, the only ones left with their memories intact, they must guard against an unknown enemy and find a way to restore their friends and protect their families.

This world's magic is tied in with the animal symbols of Chinese astrology as well as the game mahjong, and can be pretty confusing at times, which bogs the story down in several places. Still, it can be expected of the first book in a series with so much exposition necessary, particularly with so unusual a premise. I found the slow pace easily forgivable, especially as Lindskold's characters are interesting and human, and keep the reader engaged. I look forward to the sequel.

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