Book Review – No Present Like Time
Author: Steph Swainston
Cover Artist: Emma Wallace
Publisher: Gollancz
Binding: Hardcover
Publication Date: 2005
Its five years after the insects last swarmed and the Fourlands are still rebuilding their cities after the devastation. Suddenly, there is news of a new land discovered, far out to sea and the Emperor wants some of his Circle to go invite the inhabitants of this Island to join the Fourlands. One of those chosen is Jant and he hates boats. To make matters worse a newcomer as displaced Serein in the Circle, so he’s no longer the centre of attention and his wife is having an affair with the world’s strongest man. He’s not having a good time.
Personal Thoughts- this book is written from Jant’s point of view as was Swainston’s first book. This gives the plot a modern, hip kind of feel as Jant is the wild card in the Circle. He’s the bad boy who gets into trouble, breaks the rules and plays around with drugs. His addiction to drugs does make the story ramble a little, as his perceptions are confused and disorientated. I would much prefer another way for Jant to be able to reach the Shift. But generally I enjoyed his story and his interactions with the older members of the Circle. We learn more about some of the older members of the Circle, but the Emperor is still very much kept shrouded in mystery and his motives aren’t any clearer.
I’ve read comments that these immortals don’t learn the lesson’s of life and they should act differently after living so long instead of being bogged down in life’s petty indulgencies. But that would make for a boring story! And I don’t find it too difficult to believe that immortals get hung up on the same issues as we mortals do too.
The newest member to the Circle is naïve and generally bewildered throughout this story, though Swainston is very good at writing the fight scenes and portrays the sword skills of these immortals very well.
Once again, Jant drifts into the Shift during his drug binges and we are shown more of the strangeness and hinted at how the different worlds linked to the Shift are all connected. The Insects don’t play should a big part in this story. This book focuses on the greed of men and their need for power, wealth and position, which courses wars and strife in this book. Generally the fighting in the instalment isn’t as large in scope as the Insect scenes of the previous book. But they are still gritting enough to be entertaining.
Overall I enjoyed this 2nd book by this author and look forward to her next release.
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