Mike Yangdas Yangdas itibaren Pirahmet, 29100 Pirahmet/Gümüşhane Merkez/Gümüşhane, Turkey itibaren Pirahmet, 29100 Pirahmet/Gümüşhane Merkez/Gümüşhane, Turkey

I'd shied away from this book for a long time thinking it was going to be a depressing read.. and it was, though there were definite moments of humour. I found myself growing angry when I read of Esther's depression and suicide attempts when she had so much going for her.. But at the same time, I could understand her 'bell jar' concept, and I think many of us have probably experienced similar feelings. Despite having options open to you, there are always limitations hemming you in, expectations and responsibilities based on gender, culture, family, finances... At some point we've all been the fly trapped under the bell jar..

L.G. Bass makes a stunning debut in "Sign of the Qin," the first book of a series drawing on Chinese myth and legend. Taut, lushly written and wonderfully characterized, "Sign" is an enthralling fantasy with plenty of action, mythic monsters, and a dash of romance and destiny. The emperor is horrified when he sees his newborn son, because the child has the mark of the Qin, a rebel sign, on his cheek. He throws out the child's mother, Silver Lotus, and secretly plots to kill the baby -- especially since the commoners adore him, since they believe he is the new Starlord, who will renounce his noble birth and be their savior. But the Starlord has a nursemaid and rebel allies who will do whatever it takes to keep him safe. A recent volcanic eruption has let all sorts of demons loose on the land, and the evil Lord of the Dead Yamu is also plotting against the Starlord's life, calling out vile shapeshifters and evil harpies. To combat him, the lords of heaven send the incorrigible trickster Monkey to take care of the innocent little boy as he comes closer to his rebel allies. Like a flower, "Sign" has to unfold slowly and carefully. But Bass makes it worth the while, infusing the story with lots of character development and background information. Chinese legends aren't used very often in fantasy, allowing Bass's story to seem entirely fresh and original, complete with sea dragons and conveniently-placed goddesses. Bass's writing is suitably detailed and solemn, with lots of details on swords, filthy streets and jewelry. The descriptions of things like moving tattoos or statues coming to life are astounding. But there's humor as well; the immortality-hungry Monkey provides most of it, but there is also the putrid demon kappa being defeated with good manners, or the elaborate funeral held for a woman who had only fainted. And most stunning of all are the action scenes, usually quite bloody, gritty and very fast-paced. At first glance, Prince Zong (or "little Starlord") seems like a pretty typical Child of Destiny -- he walks and talks within days of being born, and has immense wisdom. But Bass makes him a little naive and very sweet. The twin rebels (who are also sons of a sea-dragon) White Streak and Black Whirlwind are also well-drawn. Even the villains like Yamu and the snivelling Emperor are well-written. Bass provides a slow-moving but rich fantasy in "Sign of the Qin," and the finale promises more adventures to come. Fantastical, funny and grim, this is a definite must-read.