The Capital of Latecomers

This ended up being a fast read and while the setting was interesting, it felt a bit jumbled. Then again, Rhein is supposed to be a character who has moments where he is not all there, which may be why not everything was coherent.

Rhein is a famous artist who is currently suffering from a major block. He decides to go to a place simply known as The Oasis where one can live in complete isolation. He has kept to himself, but now that is all about to change.

The legend of the Remorites is interesting but it doesn't really go anywhere until later on. Even then it feels a bit tacked on. Readers of sci-fi will be familiar with the idea of parallel worlds or timelines that branch off based on the decisions we make, while leaving behind the possibilities that could have been. However, tacking this on to a murder mystery as well may have been a bit too much.

Focusing on the mystery aspect only, there are plenty of twists and turns, and you will be wondering who is responsible for the murders until the end. Once it becomes clear you can appreciate the cunningness of some of the characters.

Admittedly this wasn't one of the stronger books I have read. I think this could have been done as a sci-fi book about the Remorites and an idea of second chances as one story. The murder mystery could have been its own story.