BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Review & Giveaway: Silver on the Road by Laura Anne Gilman

Publisher: Saga Press
Series: The Devil's West #1
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 6, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit*iTunes | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

A heroic fantasy by an award-winning author about a young woman who is trained in the art of the sinister hand of magic, but at what price?

Isobelle, upon her sixteenth birthday, makes the choice to work for the devil in his territory west of the Mississippi. But this is not the devil you know. This is a being who deals fairly with immense—but not unlimited—power, who offers opportunities to people who want to make a deal, and they always get what they deserve. But his land is a wild west that needs a human touch, and that’s where Izzy comes in. Inadvertently trained by him to see the clues in and manipulations of human desire, Izzy is raised to be his left hand and travel circuit through the territory. As we all know, where there is magic there is chaos…and death.

Bea's Thoughts:

I follow Ms. Gilman on both Facebook and Twitter had had been seeing snippets of this story as she was working on it. When she offered review copies, I jumped at the opportunity as she's one of my favorite fantasy authors. She did not disappoint. 

"Silver on the Road" was a fresh take on the hero's journey, a teen's growing up, and having your wish granted. Despite having been raised by the devil, and seen him in action close up, the bargain Izzy makes ends up costing her in ways she didn't anticipate. And when the devil unexpectedly sends her on the road with a strange man as her mentor, who isn't entirely clear on what it is he's supposed to be teaching her, she's hurt and confused.

The world felt very much like ours but was different enough that I could see the similarities while keeping it separate it from our world. It's layered and textured and feels real. Gilman's gift for description shines through in this story and the language is beautiful. She provides just enough information and detail so the reader isn't lost, at times we're learning with Izzy, but there are still unanswered questions. Around the middle of the story the pace was slow and I got impatient but Gilman was slowly unraveling her story and my patience was rewarded. I liked Izzy and loved seeing her growth. At only sixteen she's already quite strong and courageous; I can't wait to see what else she has in store.

"Silver on the Road" is a coming of age story filled with poetic language, adventure, a different take on the devil, and a new perspective on North American history. It was entertaining, fascinating, and a wonderful story. I'll be looking for the next book.

Read my interview with Laura Anne here
Laura Anne is generously giving away a print ARC of Silver on the Road to a reader in North America. No purchase is necessary. You must be 18 years old to enter or have your parent or guardian enter for you. VOID where prohibited. Please read my Privacy Policy and Giveaway Policy.

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22 comments:

  1. Thanks for this captivating and fascinating feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I know fantasy isn't your usual genre but I think you might like this one. It's as much about growth and change as it is anything fantastical.

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  3. lovely cover, and I like the sound of the world and the writing.

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    1. That cover *is* lovely and so was the writing.

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  4. It sounds interesting. Great review.

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  5. Can't wait to read this new adventure by a favorite author.

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  6. Sounds interesting and has a beautiful cover.

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  7. I don't think I've ever seen hers about. Yay for snagging a copy and it being so good!

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    1. She's been around for years and I've been reviewing her for years. :D She's light on the sexy though so she may not have hit your radar.

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    2. I follow all sorts of blogs and read all types though. First time she's ever shown. Good to know she's out there.

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  8. I really enjoy this author and unfortunately, she kinda fell of of my radar. Thanks for the awesome spotlight!

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    1. I've had that happen with authors. I hope you enjoy the book!

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  9. Beautiful Cover, do you happen to know if that was done by the same artist as Cherie Priest's "Four and Twenty Blackbirds"?

    The style looks similar.

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    1. Sorry, I don't know. It is lovely.

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    2. Laura Anne said yes, same artist. His name is John Jude Palencar.

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  10. It sounds like an unusual story, and I always enjoy those. Looking forward to reading Silver on the Road.

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  11. As many other have posted, it is a beautiful cover. I have never read anything by this author, so I may give one of her books a look.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I enjoy hearing from my readers. Let's talk!