Cover Reveal: GABRIEL’S ROAD by Laura Anne Gilman
Today at Skiffy and Fanty, we reveal the cover of the latest Devil’s West verse novel from Laura Anne Gilman, Gabriel’s Road. The Devil’s West series is an alternate magical history series involving an early 19th century American West where a being who everyone calls the Devil holds a large chunk of what we think of as the Louisiana Purchase. Neither Spain nor the burgeoning United States particularly appreciate his presence, and there are magical dangers within the Territory itself. That’s where the Left Hand of the Devil comes in. While the Devil generally remains in the town of Flood, he sends his Left Hand out on the Road to see to problems and to justice. Isobel, new to the role, is his latest Hand. Through The Cold Eye (an Endeavour Award winner and a Washington State Book Award finalist), Silver On the Road, and Red Waters Rising, Isobel is mentored by Gabriel Kasun, a man from the East whose destiny is entwined with Isobel’s and the Territory itself.
Book Review: The Trials of Solomon Parker by Eric Scott Fischl
Eric Scott Fischl grabbed my attention in a big way recently with his harrowing debut novel Doctor Potter’s Medicine Show, and only tightened his grip on it with this follow-up. But once again, caveat lector. Just as its predecessor held considerable peril for sympathetic vomiters and those triggered by sexual violence, The Trials of Solomon Parker starts off with scenes of underground mine disaster so well-researched and vividly described that the claustrophobic or those living with PTSD might find it rough going. And then there’s that litany of other horrors, including domestic violence, that follows. Eek. Those who tough it out, though, have a reward in store for them that might even seem to carry a whiff of Kurt Vonnegut, or perhaps even Gene Wolfe, to it. For, like its predecessor, this is not merely a quality work of historical fiction. There’s Time Travel as well as copper in them thar hills!
Book Review: The Cold Eye by Laura Anne Gilman
Being the Devil’s Left Hand is not the easiest job that Isobel could have chosen, but she did choose it, fought for it, and has proven herself, so far, to be a solid choice to ride the Territory on the Boss’ behalf. Now that she has some miles done on her circuit, Isobel’s life as the Devil’s Left Hand continues. As before, her partner Gabriel, as per his own agreement with the Devil, continues her training. But even as Isobel is growing into the role, new dangers are arising, dangers that the two of them may not be equal to face. Dangers great enough perhaps to threaten even the Devil himself. The Cold Eye is the second Devil’s West novel by Laura Anne Gilman, following Silver On the Road.
