Neither Avery Hemlock or Saga Trygg are having a great time at the moment. Avery’s a changeling who’s been offered an early release from her five hundred years of sleep if she works to solve a crime. Saga’s been left at the alter and dropped out of medical school, and now she’s trying to find her way both back to herself and forward in the world. When their paths cross, the two of them have the chance to help one another navigate unfamiliar worlds: the present for Avery and magic for Saga. However, as Saga is pulled into Avery’s investigation, the danger mounts and neither of them are clear how the pieces fit together.
The world building is amazing, and I love the way the author incorporates mythology from around the world into. I also appreciate the complexity of the setting. There are many different agendas and points of view, often not necessarily wrong but some times in opposition to one another. There is also a fair amount of agreement on the desired results but not the means to get them, making the world feel all the more real and fleshed out. The little footnotes are delight and work well to add another layer of worldbuilding.
Both Saga and Avery are relatable main characters, and it’s easy to root for them. The supporting cast is both intriguing and a great deal of fun. There is a warmth and coziness to the story even if the subject matter isn’t always so cozy. There’s a good balance with the mystery and the relationships that make for an enjoyable whole. There is also a Holmesian feel to the story along with several obvious little nods, but not in a way that make it feel derivative. I was almost immediately sucked into the story and could not stop being pulled back to it. I definitely hope to see more from this universe and this author. Four out of five stars.
Bingo – Craft – Saga practices witchcraft as well as knitting.
