The city of Astreiant has gone crazy with enthusiasm for a new play, "The Drowned Island." Pointsman Nicolas Rathe is not amused, however, at a real dead body on stage, and must investigate. This is much complicated by the time of year: the ghosts of the dead appear and linger at this time, and though they cannot speak, their presence and appearance influence everyone. Murder, magic, and the theatre make this fantasy novel a compelling read.
Publishers
Weekly"What do gardening, astrology, the theater, magic and fantasy have in common? In this fine sequel to the authors' well-received Point of Hopes (1995) and The Armor of Light (1988), the common thread is murder. Scott and Barnett have created an unusual and successful blend of fantasy and mystery, set in the Renaissance-like city of Astreiant during the production of a midwinter masque....Familiarity with the previous books in the series isn't necessary, as the authors provide just the right amount of background on Astreiant for readers to get their bearings. Having deftly, and gratifyingly, entwined two different genres, Scott and Barnett have produced a page-turner that is sure to win them new fans."
Actually, The Armor of Light isn't part of this series at all. It's an alternate history set in Elizabethan England. There's a bit of detection in it, as Philip Sidney, with the assistance of Christopher Marlowe, must determine who is trying to kill the king of Scotland. But a Points novel it ain't.
Kirkus
Reviews"Another in the authors' series of gumshoe fantasies (Point of Hopes, 1995) set in a Renaissance world where both magic and astrology work....the scenario's unusually well developed and intricately plotted: a solidly engrossing entry in this tolerably persuasive series."
And we're tolerably pleased with this review.
Library Journal"Alchemy, herbal magic, and mystery work together to create a fascinating and exotic tale of fantasy intrigue."
Sf Site:"Readers of police procedurals will recognize the form of Point of Dreams, if not the details, which are necessarily changed by the fantasy setting...Scott and Barnett blend the genres deftly, transposing their mystery plot seamlessly into their magical world, effectively building suspense and scattering both clues and red herrings with panache. The writing is skillful, as is the characterization... Best of all, though, is the world-building. Scott and Barnett have created a setting so densely detailed that it's at times hard to remember you aren't reading about a real place... Point of Dreams is a thoroughly rewarding reading experience."
Strange
Horizons :"Point of Dreams is at times a fantasy of manners, at other times a mystery, at yet other times a swashbuckler, and yet still poetic through it all. Indeed, the setting of the theatre, where much of the key action occurs, brings a lofty, almost Shakespearean sense to the whole piece. They've done a grand job putting together numerous stories-within-stories so that the pieces form a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.... Scott and Barnett have, with Point of Dreams, produced another stunning winner -- a story of deep human emotion, bound with the string of swashbuckling action, packaged with the magic of phytomancy, and with the entertaining spectacle of the theatre as the bow tied beautifully on top."
The Washington
Blade
"The story manages to be a fantasy of manners, a mystery, and a swashbuckler all at the same time. An almost Shakespearean sensibility is maintained throughout. This is a story of deep human emotion, bound with the string of exciting action, packaged with magic, and with the entertaining spectacle of the theater as a beautifully tied bow on top. It's sure to delight."
"Ms. Scott and Ms. Barnett have created a pseudo-Renaissance world where the characters are average tradespeople and citizens-some good, some not. Readers will be able to immerse themselves in a warmly inviting story where astrology and magic work, and ghosts sometimes name their murderer."
And check out this review from
Wavelengthsonline
