Four Roads Cross

Starred review from June 27, 2016
In the fifth installment of the Craft sequence, two-time Campbell Awardâfinalist Gladstone returns to the city of Alt Coulomb and the adventures of Craftswoman Tara Abernathy. A year after the events of Three Parts Dead, Taraânow in-house counsel to the Church of Kos Everburningâcontinues to negotiate the consequences of the near-death of the god Kos and the resurrection of his lover, the moon goddess Seril. As the goddess struggles to consolidate her power, a magical and financial crisis looms amid doubts over Kos's solvency; its resolution depends on Tara and her alliesâtechnician and reluctant saint Abelard, policewoman Catherine Elle, and gargoyle Shaleâand also upon the working-class men and women of Alt Coulomb's market. Gladstone's storytelling, worldbuilding, and character development are always singularly enjoyable, and that pleasure is enhanced here by the reunion with the richly drawn cast of his first sorcerous legal thriller. They, along with Gladstone's writing, have grown, matured, and become even more interesting. This is a splendid continuation of a fascinating series. Agent Robert G. Diforio, D4EO Literary.

July 1, 2016

In the city of Alt Coulumb, the moon goddess Seril is back from the (supposed) dead, and her gargoyle enforcers try to protect the people, even those who wish she was still gone. The fire god, Kos Everburning, is facing an onslaught by powerful creditors attempting to take over his church--and his power. Tara Abernathy, the fire god's Craftswoman, must face off against an old classmate and the necromantic firm of magician lawyers arriving in Alt Coulumb. Blacksuit Catherine Elle and vampire Raz Pelham are working in town as well, facing off against monster pirates and the zombie trade. As tensions rise in the community, it will take all Tara, Cat, and Raz possess to calm the city and protect both the people and the church. VERDICT Gladstone's fifth outing in the "Craft Sequence" series (after Last First Snow) brings back many familiar faces. A tight yet intricate plot, accompanied by a slew of amazing characters, make this utterly delightful either as a stand-alone or for series fans.--KC

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.