Publishers Weekly
03/13/2023
Saintcrow (Rattlesnake Wind) posits that gods, heroes, and characters from myth and lore live in an invisible world alongside humans in this unfulfilling urban fantasy. Nat Drozdova’s cancer ridden mother insists she can be cured—but only if Nat seeks out a mysterious woman named Mrs. de Winter. Nat’s visit to de Winter’s Manhattan offices introduces her to a fantastical world she never knew existed, where cats talk and divinities live in magic and luxury. It’s a world her mother is apparently very familiar with, and if Nat wants to cure her, she must team up with Dmitri Konets, who makes it clear he wants her and her mother dead, to recover the artifact her mother stole from de Winter and then lost. Much of the story consists of minor fetch quests to uncover key items needed to complete the main quest, bogging the story down and providing little in the way of real action. Nat is a frustratingly passive character, and while brooding Dmitri seems like he’s being set up as a potential love interest, readers will have to wait for future installments for the payoff. Indeed, the novel ends abruptly on a “to be continued,” leaving few threads tied up. The result is underwhelming. (May)
From the Publisher
Praise for Spring’s Arcana
“This is a lush, sinister myth woven with modern thread, all the vicious magic of Baba Yaga mixed with the complex relationships between mother, grandmother, and daughter. A powerful fantasy with sharp teeth.”—Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Skyhunter
“Lilith Saintcrow’s contemporary incarnations of Old World avatars glint, slice and snarl in a supernatural scavenger hunt, vying for possession of a hidden jewel at the heart of a mystery. Grab your popcorn and settle in for a scintillating ride!”—Jacqueline Carey
“An ice-cold contemporary reboot of Baba Yaga—some killer grannies are more lethal than others: pray she isn't yours!”—Charles Stross
“For readers who love the retelling of dark fairy tales, Saintcrow's series starter is a thrilling ride that will not disappoint.”—Booklist
“Saintcrow returns to her roots in this epic-tinged urban fantasy... in which Nat will find the roots of her heritage as she takes a dangerous foray into the mystic places where the Slavic myths such as Baba Yaga and the deathless Koschei still guard their secrets—and her own.”—Library Journal
“Spring’s Arcana is hard to put down, with twists and turns that take place along an incredible journey.”—Seattle Book Review, 5/5 stars
“Vividly atmospheric, with fascinating worldbuilding and compelling characters, Spring’s Arcana is an accomplished novel by a writer in peak form.”—Tor.com
Praise for Lilith Saintcrow
"Terrifying, rich, and expertly told, this conclusion to the Dead God's Heart duology should not be missed."—Booklist on The Salt-Black Tree
"Incredibly timely, well written and important.... A testament to Saintcrow's skill." -Los Angeles Times on Afterwar
"Saintcrow scores a hit... Genius and a rocking good time." –New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs on The Iron Wyrm Affair
"Saintcrow's rough, rawboned prose paints a world not on the edge, but already over it, revealing an alternate history of America that is achingly relevant to the America in which we live. Simply put, Saintcrow doesn't f*** around." -Chuck Wendig on Afterwar
“Saintcrow knows how to keep the pages turning” –Starburst on the Dante Valentine series
"Sensual writing, intricate plotting, and sympathetically quirky, satisfyingly competent characters make this series one to watch." –Publishers Weekly *starred review* on The Iron Wyrm Affair
"If anyone asks whether science fiction can be relevant, point them to Afterwar." -Kirkus
"Not a story for the faint of heart, Lilith Saintcrow's latest novel plays on the darkest elements of current American culture, and flashes an unmistakable warning about a potential future ruled by xenophobia and white supremacy.... Startlingly prescient." -RT Book Reviews on Afterwar
“Afterwar is a punch in the gut, nauseatingly compelling in its emotional realism. As well as compelling as a story: well-paced, strikingly well-characterised, and deftly written, Afterwar is a deeply accomplished novel.” –Tor.com
"Fast paced and full of plot twists, this is a lightweight summer read for fans of Gail Carriger and Meljean Brooks." –Booklist on The Iron Wyrm Affair
