Leah R. Cutter

My first thought upon finishing this book: Well, that was fun!

The prologue set me off balance, making me feel like I was reading three stories but very curious as to how they would come together.. and come together they do! This book is gritty and risque. Science, psychic abilities and Norse gods fit together like puzzle pieces with wisps of familial drama snuck in. I was curious about where the story was going and how they would meet and I was not disappointed.

Early on in the story we learn that our main character, Cassie, is a lesbian. As a lady lover myself I appreciated this attribute as well as how it plays out in the book. She’s crass, flirty, stands by her friends and gets things done that need doing. She’s a character that I can get behind, pun absolutely intended. Her situation in life isn't ideal but she doesn't complain about it and is happy for what she does have. I enjoyed how she interacted with the other characters in the book, all of whom I found entertaining.

There’s an element of government/private industry/military involvement with the psychic abilities here that I thought it was well played.

and that concludes all of the POSITIVE things that I have to say about Poisoned Pearls.. Now onto my criticisms!...

*stares at ceiling*looks from one side of ceiling to the other*makes fart noises with mouth*

ah.. Well, it looks as though I have none! Although I do feel that I should warn there are topics here that may make some people uncomfortable, drugs, sex, bad language. If these things are an issue for you then I wouldn't recommend delving into this very entertaining world.


Finally, here are a couple of quotes that I found extra amusing.

"Careful, or you'll lose an eye," I joked.

"I'd finally stopped and looked at the date--December twenty-first, the longest night of the year.
Normally, that was something I'd celebrate. All that extra loving time."… (more)

I relished this book and it really drew me in. The story takes place in ancient Japan and involves kitsune, sorcerers, other spiritual beings, and relations between them and humans. Along the way, swords are forged, battles fought, and relationships formed and lost. Characters were well developed and to a certain extent I felt I got to know them as people. Particularly neat is that the characters grew and developed over the course of the novel, recognizing their flaws and addressing them appropriately. Place descriptions were lyrical yet realistic and I felt as if I was there in the places described in the book. Pacing of the story made sense and slowly built to the final resolution with a satisfactory ending. Would recommend to those who enjoy fantasy or Japanese historic novels.… (more)