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Dancing with Bears

A Darger and Surplus Novel
by Michael Swanwick
Dancing with Bears: A Darger and Surplus Novel. Night Shade. May 2011. c.280p. ISBN 9781597802352. $24.99. SF
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Con men Darger and Surplus, a biogenetically engineered human-dog crossbreed, make their way across a postapocalyptic Russia in the entourage of Prince Achmed of Byzantium and six of the world's most beautiful and accomplished virgins, the Pearls of Byzantium—a gift to the Duke of Muscovy. When a near catastrophe strikes the caravan, the resourceful pair pull off their greatest scheme in an atmosphere of intricate plots, nascent revolution, and forbidden romance. Steampunk meets postnuclear collapse in an infectious and convoluted tale of intrigue and madcap adventure by the author of Vacuum Flowers and The Iron Dragon's Daughter.
VERDICT Swanwick's superb storytelling and offbeat humor make this a delightful tale sure to please sf fans and steampunk aficionados.
Reviewed by Jackie Cassada , May 15, 2011
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