BOOK REVIEW

Galveston by Sean Stewart. World Fantasy Award

(Brought to you by kat impatientreader.com) In the year 2028, the citizens of Galveston are struggling to survive in the wake of a magical disaster that happened in the form of a flood in 2004 on Mardi Gras. The Flood has destroyed the outside world (except for part of mainland Texas) and mostly obliterated technology (except for dwindling medical supplies and car engines that people keep nursing along as small generators for their homes).  The city is run by four Krewes, which used to be some sort of Mardi Gras parade-social clubs and which have evolved into quasi-priesthoods for magically awakened gods.

Even weirder, the Flood has opened up an "alternate" Galveston ruled over by an evil carnival god Momus where the Mardi Gras never stops. Momus's motto, carved over the gates of his Galveston, is "It just doesn't get any better than this!"

Our hero Josh was a little kid when he witnessed his card-sharp father lose the family house in a high-stakes poker game. He grows into a bitter fatherless young man who tries to practice medicine with nothing but herbs and some knowledge.  Then his childhood crush Sloane (who doesn't remember him) must face the impending death of her mother, the most powerful woman in Galveston.  Sloane must either save her mother or fill her mother's footsteps and become a leader.

She decides to seek out Momus in his Galveston and bargain for his help. When she disappears into Mardi Gras, Josh and his only friend Ham are accused of her murder and sent into exile where they face horrific dangers on the Texas mainland.  Josh and Sloane have the viewpoints, and the plot takes some unexpected and complex turns.  Sloane is terrific, and Josh depicted in an even bolder way: he's unlikable and petty while displaying only flashes of goodness. They are very three-dimensional, complex characters.  You can find Galveston on Amazon.com through this link:

Galveston

Noteworthy Links:   Wonderquest - Science Q/A! The Connection - Tech blog! Author site - John the Eunuch Historical Mystery series, Cozy Mystery List for all your cozy mystery needs, Obsidian Bookshelf - reviews of gay-themed fiction.
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