SFF

Valour and Vanity

by Mary Robinette Kowal
Tor. (Glamourist Histories, Bk. 4). May 2014. 416p. ISBN 9780765334169. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9781466808393. FANTASY
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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
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