SFF

Valour and Vanity

by Mary Robinette Kowal
Tor. (Glamourist Histories, Bk. 4). May 2014. 416p. ISBN 9780765334169. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9781466808393. FANTASY
COPY ISBN
While traveling to the Italian city of Murano to find a glassblower who will help them with a magical experiment, husband-and-wife glamourists Jane and Vincent are attacked and robbed by pirates. Fortunately, an older gentleman who was also on the ship kindly offers the couple help and a place to stay. Jane and Vincent are thrilled finally to have a chance to experiment in capturing the fantastical folds they can pull from the aether and anchor them in glass. But when the real owner of the house where they're staying shows up, they realize that their saviour is a master con man who stole not only their money but the glass globes they have produced. It will take all of Jane's and Vincent's wits and talents to catch the thief and get their revenge.
VERDICT Kowal's latest entry in the series (after Without a Summer) has a very original and subtle magic system, but its real strength lies in the way it evokes the Regency period. The relationship between Jane and Vincent continues to grow stronger, as they learn to lean on each other.
Reviewed by Megan M. McArdle , Apr 15, 2014
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

Signal to Noise
by Moreno-Garcia, Silvia
FICTION

Daughter of Chaos
by Webb, A.S.
FICTION

Shadow of the Eternal Watcher
by Mendoza, Josh
FICTION

The Watermark
by Mills, Sam
FICTION

Death of the Author (Deluxe Limited Edition)
by Okorafor, Nnedi
FICTION

The Sea Eternal
by Robin, Emery
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?