FIVE ODD HOURS

Lindskold (Nine Gates, 2009, etc.) delivers the third installment in her Breaking the Wall series, continuing her urban-fantasy tale of magic and Chinese legends.

The novel continues the adventures of Brenda Morris, a magic-wielding present-day descendant of beings from a hidden, magical world steeped in Chinese myth. The previous book involved the creation of nine gates in order to enter this hidden world, the Lands Born from Smoke and Sacrifice. Here, the Ninth Gate is opened, but the Lands have been weirdly transformed by magic, their living inhabitants nowhere to be found, apparently trapped behind powerful elemental barriers. After her friends are also captured, Brenda becomes a key part of a daring rescue mission. The fictional world Lindskold has created is an engaging combination of modern life and Chinese mythical lore. However, readers should become familiar with the previous books in the series before picking up this one. This novel occasionally gets bogged down by its considerable exposition. That said, Lindskold’s overall vision is unique, and fans of urban-fantasy with a magical focus will be satisfied.

A fine continuation of a complex, one-of-a-kind urban-fantasy series.