Sisters of the Raven

August 1, 2002
The versatile Barbara Hambly (Dragonshadow, Wet Grave and other titles in her Benjamin January historical mystery series) offers a provocative feminist fantasy, Sisters of the Raven, with a Native American-inspired background. In Yellow City, men have traditionally wielded the magic that's healed the sick and brought the rain, but in a season of drought and unrest, women suddenly acquire magical powers, for which some of the newly empowered have to pay the ultimate price. A blurb from Harry Turtledove, plus the author's high reputation in both the SF and mystery fields, should help spark sales.

August 12, 2002
As the magic that once powered the world begins to fade, leaving its male-only practitioners helpless, a new type of magic arises among the women of the Yellow City and threatens to overturn the male-dominated society. While a few magically talented women in strategic places seek to gain recognition for their abilities, a murderer stalks the streets, preying upon the new sisterhood. Hambly's (Dragonshadow) latest novel presents an exotic fantasy world that draws from Asian and Middle Eastern cultures for its societal trappings and offers strong male and female protagonists as well as a unique methodology of magic. Once again, the author demonstrates her graceful storytelling style and flair for world-building in a stand-alone fantasy that belongs in most libraries. Highly recommended.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.