I like Eve Forward. This is actually the first of her work I’d ever read. I recently re-read it. It might not hold up as well as something like Villains by Necessity, but I enjoyed it. Again. I think I read this when I was about 13 the first time and it was one of those books that stuck to me for years until I stumbled on it again. I immediately bought it and have carried it with me through moves. Be aware, even on this re-read I have some strong rose-colored glasses going in.
So I desperately would love for everyone I know to go buy a copy – a new copy no less. Tell the publisher to give this more of a chance than it had. This book felt like a set up for a fun world and a fun take on familiars. It leaves me hanging for sequel that in 23 years has never been published. Which is a travesty. I hope Eve Forward has a sequel or five sitting on her hard drive just waiting for an editor to accept them.
There is a lot of this book that reminds me of those mid-late-90’s fantasy books. Medieval world with magic making some anachronist things. No bathroom requirements ever discussed (there is a joke that in a fantasy novel, no one ever poops). The protagonist (Alex) is cute, friendly and a little dense.
Mote, his “anim” (familiar) is a rat. I love this twist of “great and powerful potential magic bond… got a rat.” And the fact that Mote is the key to his success throughout the book. Not just a gimmick that shows up and hangs out – but an integral element to drive the story. I complained my review of Starter Villain that the protagonist wasn’t active enough. This is the opposite. Eve does a superb job of making this important piece of the plot – actually important. Alex is absolutely the protagonist. He is the one making decisions and driving the plot. Mote is his magical familiar which gives him creative solutions to his problems.
And of course there’s a princess. She is a cute, spunky and damsel who is both friend and distressed for Alex to rescue. But she isn’t perfect and that is what makes her a better-than-average princess. I can’t say more without serious spoilers – you need to read to get the full breadth of Forward’s writing.
Seriously, the fact this book never got a sequel is tragic to me. I will continue to follow Eve Forward and continue to hope that someday she return to Alex and Mote.
Dream by Day 