February 20, 2023
The theft of a rare magical amulet becomes the catalyst for revolution in the shady city of Ilmar in this well wrought fantasy from Arthur C. Clarke award winner Tchaikovsky (Children of Memory). A high-ranking official of the Palleseen occupation, which seeks to bring “perfection” to the world, dies during the amulet’s theft, and the occupiers will not rest until order is restored. Tchaikovsky seamlessly alternates between a large cast as an academic, a refugee sorcerer, a petty criminal, and a noble scion become entangled in a frantic search for the amulet. The captivating magic systems of this world’s many cultures come to the fore as the Palleseen crack down on Ilmar: workers in factories powered by demons, the mysterious residents of the last grove of a magical forest, and a district abandoned to the emaciated victims of a virulent curse all chafe against the oppressive regime. The different resistance factions soon face a choice: rise as one to overthrow the Palleseen or stay separate and be crushed forever. The rich, inventive worldbuilding and nuanced intrigues will have fantasy readers on the edges of their seats. Agent: Simon Kavanagh, Mic Cheetham Literary.
Starred review from April 1, 2023
Welcome to Ilmar, the last refuge of every culture fleeing ahead of the Palleseen Sway's conquering forces. At Ilmar's heart, a dead duke and his cursed court shroud the gateway to magical realms still outside the influence of the conquerors. Shimmering as well in the city is the thought of rebellion, only awaiting a spark to light it. Also here, taking advantage of their opponents' bad ideas and worse luck, are a stolen relic, a dead official, and restless ghosts. As a motley band of frenemies tries to ride the chaos, others launch a bid to take the city back. Ilmar is corrupt, cursed, oppressed, and haunted at every turn, and each of those turns draws the tension in the plot ever tighter. Putting this novel down is as impossible as escape for any of the characters. Readers who swooned over the magic-infused city-empire of Kithamar in Age of Ash by Daniel Abraham will be thrilled to walk the mean streets of Ilmar in this clash of imperialism and sorcery. VERDICT This stand-alone epic fantasy from Tchaikovsky (Children of Memory) is highly recommended for lovers of big sprawling sagas who don't want to wait years for a climactic conclusion.--Marlene Harris
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Starred review from April 15, 2023
"Ilmar, City of Last Chances, City of Bad Decisions, the Port to Nowhere." Tchaikovsky paints a portrait of an ancient city in crisis, filled with sorcerers, intellectuals, gangsters, noble families, and dreamers, occupied by the Palleseens, who wish to impose their brand of Correctness where it is not wanted. On the western side of Ilmar lies the Anchorwood, guarded by the mysterious Indwellers, and the Reproach, a district haunted by the ghosts of an outcast noble family. The Sage-Archivist of the Palleseen School of Correct Erudition attempts to explore the mysterious Anchorwood, but while overstepping his authority, he finds he has lost a ward of protection and is killed. The stolen ward appears during a special session of chaq, where it was put up as collateral, but disappears when the game is interrupted by news of the Sage-Archivist's death. An Allorwen mage, a college professor, and several others become suspects to be persecuted by forces of the occupation. Their ties to various factions of the resistance will be the tinder for the fires of a revolt. No one is a complete angel nor devil as the suspense builds, but Ilmar will live up to its many names in this clever and engaging fantasy.
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