I don't know if it's cool to cry while reading, especially when the characters have resolved not to when performing a death ritual. Perhaps it is permissible on their behalf? I hope so. I cried a few times reading this book, and I would like to immediately clarify, that while I'm no toughie, I'm not generally considered whimpy either. The same scene written by anyone else probably would not have affected me in the same way. This is just Scott's gift. The reader becomes so deeply drawn into the characters' lives that she cannot extract herself fast enough for emotional moments. This isn't to say that the author drops an unexpected bomb. It's more a case of being enveloped by literary quicksand; once in there is no way out unless someone (or something) pulls you back to the twenty-first century.
There is magic in this book. No, that is wrong; it is the book that is magic. The characters are developed in such a way that even those who are despicable are liked for their sheer un-likeability (yes, as of today this is a word), but most of all it is Demalion whom the reader will connect with the most, and rightly so. The growth of his character, his aptitude for battle strategy and skills in stealth are a constant reminders of Pantera and the larger story being told.
I don't know if it is intentional, but I did find this work a modern allegory of the plethora of post-9/11 battle-memoirs: the incompetence of leadership, brilliant young warriors with a conscience, one sensible leader brought down by another for want of power. However, that should not detract readers as it is not heavily so, nor is it explicit.
Ultimately, Scott has me craving more, and wishing that she never stops writing.
Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.
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