Matt McAvoy Book Review

I really enjoyed The Reaper’s Quota, so when this one appeared in my bookshelf I was very keen to get stuck into it.  And Sarah McKnight has delivered another great book.  Entertaining, thought provoking and creative, this direct sequel takes a slightly different tone to the first, opting for a more down to earth drama narrative, and perhaps shedding a little of the crackling wit of the first.  I won’t say anything to spoil this or the book it follows, but suffice to say that it does end with a necessarily fulfilling sense of full circle, in contrast to the last, which I was quite outspoken in admitting left me feeling not just a little frustrated.  But Sarah clearly had a plan and held her nerve with the format, and ultimately I’m glad I followed up the read with this one. 

The concept of the series is a very interesting one, with high fantasy and poignancy galore, and Sarah is definitely the best writer for the job.  She is clearly invested deeply in the story, and doesn’t miss a trick, easing in Easter eggs, smoothing continuity arcs and tidying loose ends like a drawstring pouch.  In fact, she is so good that my only concern was whether she has left herself enough swing-space to keep writing more books in the series – I certainly hope so, because I think there is tremendous scope for much more.  I did wonder if this and the first were perhaps a touch short – I read each of them in one evening – but I also know that will definitely appeal to a lot of people.  Personally, I wonder if the two titles could form two parts of a single book or volume – that would certainly appease those of us left hanging the first time around. 

Another good book, if perhaps not hitting the smirking-nod-inducing qualities of its excellent predecessor.  I definitely recommend these books, indeed for most readers, especially those who like to spend one evening or afternoon exclusively devoting their time to reading the whole thing.  In fact, to get the best from them, I advise that you really should read them both – and of course in the right order.  Great stuff – looking forward to book 3.