Queen of the Dark Things

Starred review from February 10, 2014
The powerful sequel to Dreams and Shadows returns readers to an alternate present where strange creatures walk among humans in Austin, Tex. Colby Stevens, a young man with an ancient gift, has lived a relatively solitary life since his previous adventures, suffering the consequences of his decisions and self-righteously guarding his chosen city. Then a young girl from his past makes her presence known in a way that threatens the existence of humanity. Marshaling what friends he has left, Colby must make a stand to save Austin, and his own soul. Brimming with philosophical conundrums and littered with myth and lore, Cargill’s world is abundant in detail and imagery in the service of the story. Not a page is wasted; secondary characters are used sparingly and well, and every word is carefully chosen for maximum effect. Colby’s journey through a world of demons and fears made real will keep readers entranced. Agent: Peter McGuigan, Foundry Literary + Media.

March 15, 2014

In this sequel to Dreams and Shadows, Cargill spins another contemporary literary fantasy of a wizard who has seen too much and acquired too much power. Colby Stevens is suffering from the consequences of his action, not just the events of the first book but also from his doings during his long childhood journey through fairylands. As Colby bargains with demons in the hopes of avoiding having to kill yet another old friend, we follow his journey to fairy, to the dreamtime, and to the point in his past where he set in motion the events that turned one of his childhood playmates into the Queen of the Dark Things. VERDICT As with the first book, Cargill takes his time setting up the events that lead to the climactic sequence that ends his story. Unlike the first book, this is a fantasy about mythmaking, learning the uses of power, and living with the consequences of one's behavior. Recommended for readers of Lev Grossman's "Magicians" series and Neil Gaiman's adult contemporary fantasies. [See Prepub Alert, 11/18/13.]--Marlene Harris, Seattle P.L.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2014
Wizard Colby Stevens, young as he is, has enough bad memories to haunt him for several lifetimes. After he simultaneously won and lost his war with the Limestone Kingdombanishing the fairy folk from Austin, Texas, but losing his best friend in the process and possibly damning himselfhe wants only to be left alone. Unfortunately, a wizard as powerful as Colby can't hide. In this sequel to Dreams & Shadows, a spirit-walker severed from her body, the shades of cursed mutineers, and Solomon's Seventy-Two Demons converge in Austin. Colby must investigate how these forces are linked and create the impossible: a solution in which he punishes evildoers, rescues those in the right, and satisfies his need for redemption. Although too much of the book is devoted to exposition, including more pseudo-academic essays on magic and many (albeit, significant) philosophical digressions, the pacing explodes once all the major players are in place. Clever plotting influenced by trickster lore, a more hopeful ending, and a new cast of complex and likable characters make this sequel a winner. Fans of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series will especially like this volume.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)