The Silk Map

March 10, 2014
This rich sequel to The Scroll of Years finds intrepid thief Imago Bone and poet Persimmon Gaunt teaming up with wily bandit Snow Pine to rescue their children, lost in a secret pocket dimension that’s been hidden within the magical Scroll of Years. Striking a bargain with a monkey goddess called the Great Sage, the trio sets off on an epic search for the rare caterpillars that are the source of tough ironsilk. Along the way, they will face amazing challenges: battling mummies and invisible warriors, contending with haunted cities, encountering rivals aboard a hot air balloon. Despite some dense writing, this Chinese-inflected fantasy adventure romps along at a madcap pace, with frequent detours to include the thoughts of peripheral characters including an overcoat and a magic carpet. This lighthearted story is suitable for teen readers as well as adults.

March 15, 2014

Married treasure hunters and adventurers Imago Bone and Persimmon Gaunt lost their only child at the end of 2013's Scroll of Years, the first book in this imaginative sword-and-sorcery fantasy series. In this volume, they will do anything to get back the magic scroll that entraps their son. This includes making a deal with the Monkey God, who will retrieve the scroll if Gaunt and Bone steal precious ironsilk cocoons for her. With their companion Snow Pine, the pair have exciting adventures and face impossible foes. VERDICT This series is rich in description and details, although the lovely writing could have been in the service of a stronger plot. The strong female characters are a joy, however, and the banter-rich dialog propels Willrich's characters. Those looking for non-Western settings for fantasy might want to give this series a try.

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