I don't know who wrote the plot synopsis but s/he obviously didn't read the book...

(Re-posted from http://theturnedbrain.blogspot.com)

One of the most unique reading experiences for me in a long time was Gemma Files' "Book of Tongues." (I recommend reading that one before reading this review.) The book was not without its flaws, but I'd take flawed and interesting over perfect and safe any day of the week, believe me.

Not surprising then that I dived straight into its sequel, and book two of Hexslinger trilogy, "Rope of Thorns" as soon as it arrived at my doorstep. As always wit More...

I am surely addicted, and this new addiction has a name – Gemma Files. The author spins together imagery that is breath-taking in both beauty and terror.

Chess’s character really grew in this second book. At the end of Book 1, I was cheering him on, but in this book his personality is unfolding piece by piece, against his better judgement. Ed has to address the fact that he cares deeply for Chess, while at the same time being attracted to the opposite sex. Asher Rook, Chess’s former lover, did a More...

A follow-up to "A Book of Tongues", this is the second of three volumes of Gemma Files' "Hexslinger Series". It would be hard to go wrong with a Civil War-set western, "hexacious" magic-wielding gunfighters, suspicious Pinkertons, and Aztec gods and goddesses. In this second volume, Files surpasses the first one, partially thanks to less need for introductions: we know the characters, though we're introduced to a terrific new one. Ghost-speaker Yancey Colder loses everything, but it only makes h More...

This was an interestingly frustrating book.

On a page-by-page basis, it's rather brilliant, with a fantastic voice, memorable characters, and elegant and vivid sensory details.

However, the plot was almost non-existent for the first half of the book. The story had zero narrative drive, and the good prose was the only reason to slog onward.

I was on the verge of giving up when the plot finally picked up and became interesting, but that was literally half-way through the book. Unfortunately, then th More...

A Rope of Thorns is book two in a trilogy, so if you don't want any spoilers, I suggest you stop reading and go devour A Book of Tongues first.

Book two has Reverend Rook and his Lady Ixchel constructing "Hex City," built on blood and carnage, but also the only place where hexes can live in peace with one another. Meanwhile, Chess, the red-headed little man of grit and violence, barely in control of his new abilities, seeks his revenge against his former lover, Rook, while avoiding the attacks of More...

This installment in the mind-boggling Hexslinger series continues the awesome and ups the ante considerably. Many of the questions born of Files's fever-dream-pretty writing are cleared up here -- sans infodump, a massive credit to her ability. Point of view, though it hops between heads throughout, is sharp, clear, and wielded like the weapon it ought to be. My only complaint from a writing standpoint is that some of the scenes still seem to go on too long. It's understandable with the massive More...

After the vicious Book of Tongues, Rope is a true middle chapter, as our heroes (?) wander on their quest, vanquishing foes while incrementally getting closer to their goal. What that goal is, is in some doubt, as Chess—as violent and psychotic a protagonist as there has ever been— actually grows as a character, learning the limits of his power and actually evolving into something far more interesting. He starts Rope looking purely for revenge, but as Chess becomes more self-aware, he begins to More...

Another delectable serving of blood, sex and psycho Aztec gods.

We've reached the 'characters wander about, seemingly aimlessly, instead of getting on with what they claim they're intent on doing' second book, this should be familiar to any frequent peruser of trilogies. Files uses this lacuna to good effect though by focusing mostly on character and world development.

The whole book is character development bootcamp for Chess, who has to grow up and realize that killing people doesn't make peop More...

*audio review only. see here for book review.*

Another excellent reading from Gordon MacKenzie, who's given a larger cast to voice this time. I especially love Yancy's clipped speech and his New Yorker Hank Fennig (and knowing Files' proclivities I could only grin and think Gangs of New York).

Also he sings. HE SINGS.

I cannot wait for A Tree Of Bones to come out on audio next so I can have the set.

This book was much better than the first one. The characters were more interesting and the story felt more to the point.
The reason that i'm not giving this one 5 start is because some scenes were just too long. The last scene is actually around 20% of the book. Insane!

Moving on to the next book.

I really tried to finish this second book in the series, but I just couldn't get excite enough to do so. I figure 100+ pages is enough to give it a shot, so there you go.

KOBOBOOKS

Original review here.

More when I can think clearly...