Except this “et tu” is a good thing, because Kirkus’ review of 100K is fantastic:
Debut fantasy features an intriguing, well-drawn mythology. At first glance, the basic plot may seem standard: A young woman, narrator/protagonist Yeine Darr, is named heir to the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, which plunges her into a power struggle with two rival cousins. But Jemisin’s world-building and attention to detail raise this story to another level. In the novel’s complex but well-defined universe, a war between the gods took place in the distant past. The losing divinities were punished severely and forced to become the slaves of mortal humans. Yeine’s life becomes increasingly entangled with these subjugated gods as she navigates royal politics and tries to uncover the truth about her family history. Jemisin lavishes considerable care on her fictional universe, but she also creates a subtle, emotionally complex character in the thoughtful Yeine. Readers will definitely look forward to future installments of the projected Inheritance Trilogy. An offbeat, engaging tale by a talented and original newcomer.
Note: I got this off the BN.com page for 100K, since Kirkus reviews are for subscribers only. (Hope it’s OK for me to share it here — but whether you look at it here or there, it’s public now.)
Am simultaneously delighted to see that a) Kirkus isn’t quite dead yet, and b) they were nice (because they’re famously grouchy).
Also: got Klausnered! Now I really feel like a Srius Authar.
They’re allowed to be nice? Yay!
Ah-hah. Welcome, Srius Author.
(I’m sad at the term Klausnered. David Klausner was my inspired Old English prof lo these many decades ago, and I have a fondness for the name.)
The book seems to be getting a fair bit of positive buzz now.Larry over at OFblog said it was damn good too, and is/was planning to have a review up before the book hits the shops.
I have to admit my excitement over the book is growing, to the point where a book that was once a maybe-purchase is now a definite one. I’m looking forward to reading it when the time comes. Fits in nicely with my new year’s resolution of reading more works from female authors, etc.
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