Honeyed Words
J.A. Pitts
Tor, Jul 5 2011, $25.99
ISBN 9780765324689
Blacksmith Sarah Beauhall struggles with acceptance of what she has learned about the world since she reforged a sword that turned out to be magical. Denial will not work when dragons and other fantasy species are genuine instead of just the imagination of authors, filmmakers and the medieval reenactment community. Sarah knows her mission from those in charge is to cleanse the magic (see Black Blade Blues).
She observes Skella and Gletts watching her, which she hypothesizes has to do with her recent save the world task. Greedy dwarves hired the pair as they seek more power. Sarah and her BFF Katie attend a concert only the dwarves attempt to abduct the singer whose blood they need to amplify their magic. Her preference is to stay out of this scenario, but that is not an option as Sarah begins her latest save the world rescue mission that has her aligned with her enemies.
This entertaining Beauhall urban fantasy is a fast-paced thriller though it not quite as fresh as the first book Black Blade Blues. The key to the tale is the reluctant heroine who prefers her quests to remain in enactments and theater and not in the real world. The rest of the characters are underdeveloped even the dwarves (think of Time Bandits) as the roles of the rest of the cast is to force the protagonist into reaction mode. Fans will enjoy Sarah strong and hesitant as she copes poorly as she battles with otherworldly essences.
Harriet Klausner
