asakiyume | Antiphony, by Sherwood Smith

Probably most people who read my journal also read

sartorias, but for those who don't, or who missed it, Antiphony, the culmination of her stories set on Sartorias-deles, is out now.

This is a wonderful one, full of people finding each other, healing and growing, and getting themselves in a good place for the next great adventure, whatever that might be. It's an absorbing delight to read. You see Carl (a woman; her actual name is Mersedes Carinna), a nervous, conscientious shadow cast by a domineering mother, gradually grow into a confident person who turns an obsessive crush into ... something else. Jilo, now king of the Chwahir, also continues to grow in confidence, and it's wonderful to see Chwahirsland transforming, unfolding and blooming. Lyren, the headstrong, self-centered daughter of Liere, grows a LOT, and finds a place, a purpose, and a partner. Several of Detlev's boys also pair off, and others we see happily engaged in worthy work. Imry's storyline resolves nicely. And I can say all this and it isn't even spoilers, because the fun of the book is in how all this happens.

Probably it would be hard to pick up this book if you aren't somewhat invested in at least some of the characters--though I do believe you could read Carl's story (and then by extension, develop an interest in seeing what will happen with Lyren) even with no prior knowledge. I most certainly recommend Antiphony wholeheartedly for those of you with familiarity with the modern era of Sartorias-deles (the era of Senrid, Clair, Liere, Siamis, etc.). You can purchase it at all the usual places, and also through Book View Cafe.