Lois McMaster Bujold "The Spirit Ring"

My friend Kenny O'Leary recommended this writer, though a different book. I managed to get a copy of this novel first. Lois has been writing sci fi and fantasy for years and has a slew of awards, but for some reason I had never read anything by her before, so thanks for the tip Kenny.

The spirit ring is a fun and easy read. I did not want to put it down too much as I really enjoyed it from start to finish. Its a classic approach to a fantasy novel, as she did not create a new world or anything, basically she went back to early renaissance Italy and added a little bit of magic, by Priests and Wizards to the mix. The characters that are introduced and developed are quite likable and you get to know them during the course of the book. The plot is straightforward and keeps it s momentum well and has a particularly fine ending.

I was however left with the feeling that she could have done more. Her prose is good and deceptively light. There are gems of philosophy and morality hidden away in odd locations that are valid outside of a magical schema, the kind of thing that makes fantasy matter. I think there could have been more of this and a little more weight put on the decisions made by the characters.

Regardless, it was a fine read, and I will add her to my list, while avidly seeking other books penned by her hand.