The Hod King

4.5 out of 5 stars

In this third installment of The Books of Babel series, author Josiah Bancroft shakes up the narrative structure yet again and we're presented with three distinct, non-concurrent storylines that all take place over the same period of time. This doesn't push the overall story forward very far, but it provides us with sustained and worthwhile time with several wonderful characters.

Bancroft could write a kitchen appliance manual and I'd happily read it. The fact that he's built such a wondrous world and a story that makes such perfect use of his unique voice and style makes it all the better. The witticisms, turns of phrase, vivid images, fully drawn characters, and the magnificent setting all coalesce into something truly remarkable.

In my review of Arm of the Sphinx, I concluded that this series “has the makings of a modern fantasy classic.” Well, makings have been made. This series is a modern fantasy classic.

Come the Hod King.

See this review and others at The Speculative Shelf.