Ahoy there me mateys! So in previous times, wendy @ the biliosanctum set me on a series of adventures that led to me reading the first book in The Craft Sequence, three parts dead. I absolutely loved it. The second book was two serpents rise. That was not nearly as good as the first but I adore the world and certainly wanted the next book. Like the others, I read this one without reading the blurb first. No real spoilers aboard but read at yer own peril . . .

This installment turned out to be much better than the last. It was also a companion novel featuring a new city and new characters. The difference in this book was that some characters from the other two books appeared in this one! It was fun to have the books tie together in a fashion.

This one takes place on the island of Kavekana. It is not run by a god or a deathless king but by a business entity. The conglomerate creates idols for use in business transactions for those who don't want to worship in other cities. The idols don't have feelings or true consciousness but can "die" in business deals gone wrong. Kai is one of the creators of the idols. When she witnesses an idol about to die, she dives into danger hoping to prevent its' demise. Instead she ends up severely injured and has jeopardized the business. For her botched attempt, she is moved to another department until the company can decide her future role. Everyone thinks she has gone crazy. Is she or is there a bigger game at play?

Besides Kai, there is also a spunky street urchin named Izza that is the other main point of view. I loved the interplay of all of the women in this book. Also while there some elements of Kai's relationship with her ex in this novel, it serves a function in the plot and does not overtake the story. In general, I found the machinations of the idols and the business to be fascinating. This novel weaves the characters and their wishes and aspirations together in a very powerful mix. Gladstone yet again takes the novel in directions I wasn't expecting.

I will be reading the fourth book at some point and, no, I won't be reading the blurb for that one either. Wish me luck. Arrrr!!!

Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/