Morgan of Glencoe

Morgan of Glencoe - harpist, writer and more - has quickly acquired a lot of success with her series 'La Dernière Geste', of which counts three volumes have been published so far.

La Dernière Geste, so far:
0) Le Temps du Teuz et autres nouvelles (stand-alone prequel)
1) Dans L'Ombre de Paris (my review)
2) L'Héritage du rail (rel="nofollow" target="_top">my review)
3) Ordalie
4) ?
5) ?

The latest addition to the pack is an expanded edition of 'Le Temps du Teuz' (2022), which is basically a reissue of her Christmas (or winter solstice, as Celtic influences are key in the series) tales previously published under the same title, enhanced with 3 new short stories. The main part, the winter solstice tales, focus on the wide cast of characters that play a significant or minor role in the series:

William Longway (the man whose song - 'Wild Mountain Thyme' - was mentioned throughout the first book), Clifford Longway (lives in Oxford/Keltia, is the uncle of Bran), Bran (aka Waterlily, formerly known as Shura, Selkie, student of Taliesin, ...), Sir Edward Longway aka Ned (Knight of Keltia, Bran's and Douze's/Jack's father, leader of the underground population), Princess Yuri-himes, Colonel Ryûzaki, Lieutenant/hybrid HA-17, Yuri's father (Kenzo Nekohaima), Prince Louis-Philippe, Queen Gabrielle, Camille-Agnès Albane du Mont de Trente-Chênes (captain of the Orient-Express), and many more. Come to think of it, a dramatis personae would be very welcome. I do have to admit that several names didn't ring a bell with me any more, as it's been two years since I last read book 2: 'L'Héritage du rail'. I've yet to read book 3, 'Ordalie', which came out in 2021. So yes, I've got some catching up and refreshing of my memory to do.

It is important to note that, prior to reading or to better understand 'Le Temps du Teuz', you must have read at least the first two volumes in the series: 'Dans l'ombre de Paris' and 'L'Héritage du rail'. It will allow for a better comprehension and appreciation of the stories, not in the least the extra short stories that are set between the second ('L'Héritage du rail') and third ('Ordalie') books.

Like in the series, music and song are important, as are languages: English, French, Japanese, ... Accompanying these elements, though not always, are snowy cake and tea. Speaking of music, the book comes with its proper music and songs. The album, only available with the book, will soon be online on Morgan of Glencoe's website. More info via the link and QR-code in the book.

Each of the 24 stories come in bitesize form, are written in an accessible manner and cut to the chase. If you seek more background information on the characters, the environment, you'll have to consult the books. The focus in 'Le Temps du Teuz' lies on creating a warm, friendly community, where the characters take care of each other, through a gift or by providing a service. A Teuz doesn't always have to be tangible. In this respect, the book fulfills the conditions. On the other hand, as proper "introductions" or depth are missing, the stories can feel a bit superficial. It's therefore important to already be familiar with the characters to better understand or appreciate these stories.

So, what is a Teuz? In short, it's about drawing someone's (friend or family) name - without them knowing it - and you having to be their "secret Santa", thus buy them a present. Secretly. However, you must leave a little clue to let the person in question guess who bought the present. Obviously, the better you know the person, the easier it will be to find a present. I remember that, many years ago, we tried this at work, but it didn't always work out as expected, also because not everyone was into it and you don't really know each other that well.

Then there's the Breton legend, which says that a Teuz is a little creature, member of the Little People in Brittany, in your house and it takes care of the little things around the house, doing the chores you dislike or forgot to do. It's a service by a friend, whom you need to take care of in terms of little rewards in the form of food and drink.

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Coming to the three bonus stories, all set between books two ('L'Héritage du rail') and three ('Ordalie'):

Danser dans la tempête, previously published in the free, little book 'Vingt ans!', published in 2021 for´ActuSF's 20th anniversary. Here's my review again:
While the introduction states that this story offers a pre-taste of the series 'La Dernière Geste', I do find that if you haven't read at least the first book, you might not see certain links or see who's who. All the more reason to dive into the series, I'd say. In any case, the Japanese Yuri is, once more, the centre of attention, travelling over seas to meet her second family (besides the one in Japan). She will be introduced to what is called 'La Danse de la Grève'. (view spoiler) As this is a custom that clashes with Yuri's upbringing, it's only when her friend Bran (also a selkie) manages to convince her that she decides to join in with the others. A very good story that sets the stage for the upcoming volume.

Le solstice de Taliesin le Bleu
As mentioned before, Taliesin is bard, master of Bran, one of Edward's best friends and as a bard, very high ranked in the Keltian hierarchy, based on Celtic society. This short story can be seen as a continuation of where book 2 left off: in Oxford. As you might recall, Yuri, Bran, Clifford Longway, Kenzô Nekohaima, and Queen Gabriella would meet there, at (uncle) Clifford Longway's place. For this special event, even the brothers Saint-Elme (Pyro and Ashe) are present. Taliesin would play taxi for several of them, then return to the house where he had lived most of his life, saw many grow up. After Edward's death, his decision would be made, he would leave Keltia, as war was not his biotope. While the others were at Clifford's place, Taliesin would attend a gathering with his colleagues of the Blue Circle (of Bards), each member having his/her own internal dragon: dansedragon, rêvedragon, dorsdragon, ... More information on those in the interview linked below. Before leaving definitively, Taliesin would pay his friends a final, quick visit before returning to his father's house. There, a pleasant, yet touching surprise involving Bran would await him. This is another very good tale that continues the story of 'La Dernière Geste'.

Imbolc
Imbolc (Wikipedia) is a Gaelic traditional festival, and also the time of Bran's and Yuri's transition. Both are part of the group of adolescents who go through the ritual of personal evolution. They have to, if I understood correctly, present themselves before the Cailleach and answer her five questions with regards to blessings of Celtic gods: the Morrigan, Cernunnos, Brigid, Sirona. Oh yes, the fifth question regarded siblings, as this kind of ritual is supposedly to be gone through with one's brother or sister. Hence Yuri and Bran having joined forces to remain in the forest to learn to survive, defend and protect until the first full moon. Afterwards, there would be a pleasant surprise, but also the next phase in Bran's evolution, led by master Taliesin. Said evolution will most likely play an important role in the third and next two novels, I reckon.

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To close off, an interesting interview from when the first book was published: click here.

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Long story short: 'Le Temps du Teuz et autres nouvelles' is a nice addition to the series, to the world of 'La Dernière Geste'. The community is more highlighted, the cultural concept is put into the spotlights, and you thus are offered a small crash course about "tirer le Teuz". In spite of this, I felt that a number of stories were a little too superficial, sometimes finished too abruptly. The bonus stories do make this edition more worthwile, as they offer new glimpses of the main series. Once again, do not start your jouney into 'La Dernière Geste' here, but add 'Le Temps du Teuz et autres nouvelles' along the way, and set it for those winter solstice evenings. Like the first three albums of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.… (lisätietoja)

Morgan of Glencoe, a Breton writer/musician (harpist), has recently had her debut novel republished by Éditions ActuSF. As it goes in such a situation, the text was revised, the title changed, new artwork, and so on. So, out with [b:Si loin du Soleil|30812926|Si loin du Soleil (La Dernière Geste t. 1)|Morgan of Glencoe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1467222462l/30812926._SY75_.jpg|51400838] and in with 'Dans l'ombre de Paris' (English: In the Shadow of Paris). As the story takes place in Paris, France, the book is given a chauvinistic touch.

At the same time, it's the first book in the trilogy 'La Dernière Geste'. Morgan of Glencoe is working on book two, which should see the light of day... sometime in 2020, at the earliest, of course.

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What's the story about, at least in this first book? The Japanese princess Yuri is lured to France under false pretenses - to reinforce the ties between the Empire and France - by her father, the White Ambassador over there. Little does she know, but she's to marry the Fresh (Prince of Bel-Air ;-)), eh, French prince Louis-Philippe, who's being prepared to take over the throne from his father, who currently rules with an iron first. Of course, the prince adopts this style to enforce his will. Mother and Queen Gabrielle is more of the soft kind, has to obey her husband, and tries/d to reign in her son, though with little success.

Yuri has never known her mother, or at least not long enough, and her father has been living for quite some time in France, so he hasn't been that much of a father. As the message he sent her sounds promising and Yuri has not really much of a choice but to go to France, she takes the Orient-Express for this long journey to the western world. Yuri is assisted and guarded by colonel Ryûzaki, her personal bodyguard since long, and his hybrid lieutenant HA-17, aka Levana. Our princess leaves behind a life, a place where she had servants for almost everything.

On the train, Camille-Agnès Albane du Mont de Trente-Chênes is the ruler. She's the captain, she's boss. No one is to question her authority, not even those of royal blood. This she states loud and clear, especially when Yuri's life is at stake. Luckily, there's a doctor on board - especially when a disaster is to be avoided; not everyone seems to want princess Yuri to come to France. The culprit is never found, though. Or not yet? -, able to heal (almost) any injury, poisoning, disease, ... But he's not of the human kind. Next to Ren, there's an entire crew that repairs, provides, and so on.

And that's another element in this story: the diversity of living beings. Humans, Selkies (Wikipedia-link), will-o'-the-wisps (Wikipedia-link), faeries, ... all have their place in this world, in this relatively modern version of France. Ah yes, it doesn't take place in the past, it's not a steampunk story (there have been several of those in French SFFF the last few years, though), as there are indications of modernity. It's a uchronia (Wikipedia-link).

You could divide the characters in groups:

Team Yuri
* Princess Yuri-hime
* Colonel Ryûzaki
* Lieutenant/hybrid HA-17 aka Levana

Team Louis-Philippe
* Prince Louis-Philippe
* Queen Gabrielle
* Yuri's father (Nekohaima), the White Ambassador

Team Orient-Express
* Camille-Agnès Albane du Mont de Trente-Chênes (captain)
* Douze (I think he's the engine/train driver) aka Jack
* Alcyone (Aeling, patroller)
* Ren (Spectral, doctor)
* ...

Team Sewers (Égouts in the book)
* Sir Edward Longway (Knight of Keltia, enemy of the French prince, LGBT , does have a son [Douze aka Jack], leader of the underground population)
* Bran (aka Waterlily, formerly known as Shura, LGBT , Selkie, student of Taliesin, ...)
* Drauf (responsible for the weaponry)
* Taliesin (bard, master of Bran, one of Edward's best friends and as a bard, very high ranked in the Keltian hierarchy, based on Celtic society - clarification by the author)
* ...

Upon arrival, it's clear that Yuri will need to adapt to a new culture. France isn't Japan, the way of reigning is very different. It doesn't take long before our princess starts to question her voyage and stay in France. She discovered the real reason for her being in France. Of course, one never took her own convictions and desires into account. Queen Gabrielle has a talk with the girl, feels sorry for her. As Yuri didn't want all of this to happen, Gabrielle helps her escape, but whereto? Yuri is used to a world of servants, helping her with anything, even helping her dress.

Shelter is provided, also thanks to the quick and efficient intervention of Bran aka Shura (her name when she was fighting back in Japan) and Yuri feeling sorry for her situation, especially with the sick baby-brother (if I'm not mistaken). Bran hasn't forgotten this. Bran is not human, but a selkie. She's also called Waterlily, as feels like a fish in the water.

The Sewers population is a peaceful, close-knit community. Several of them live underground, but have a dayjob above ground. Access is limited and dangerous, if you don't know which path to follow. The rodents that live there aren't as cute as your own hamster or rat, for example.

As Yuri is/was used to being served and helped, it's in the sewers that her life takes a totally different course, away from the "golden" cage. She has to learn to tie her own knots, to adopt new habits, take part in the underground life. However, she can always address her questions and worries to Bran, Edward, and so on. Little by little, she becomes more and more independent.

While the Sewers-community is peaceful, they aren't that soft with criminals, sex offenders, ... The most severe punishment is being locked up, in the dark, deep down in the sewers and you have half an hour to escape, or be devoured by the rodents. Frédéric is one whose actions (seducing a fellow community member) led to this punishment.

As it happened to be, Frédéric, a sex offender, was thus punished, but managed to escape, though not completely unharmed. When one is punished this way, this person is ousted from the community or soon enough will be. Resentful as he is, he plans to betray the community to the prince in exchange for a large reward, of course. Otherwise, why would you take the risk, as you too have lived so long underground, defying the current political system above? The prince sets up a search party (and killing spree, while at it) to bring back Yuri. But above all, it's a perfect excuse to finally take out his long-time enemy (Sir Edward), although both have left each other in peace, as the feud took place a long time ago. But Sir Edward was forced to go underground.

So, prince Louis-Philippe organises a search party with his newly formed army and Colonel Ryûzaki and HA-17/Levana; the latter under command of the prince when they arrived. They are not at all aware of how Yuri is faring. The underground population, while in the possession of arms, is not as well-equipped as the army, because they abhor violence, but will revert to it in case of danger. This time, they have to scramble and set up defenses. However, is it because the army is so efficient? Or the defenses so weak? This kind of action scene is, to be honest, dealt with in a rapid fashion. Of course, Morgan of Glencoe is no Bernard Cornwell, for example, and maybe it would have hurt the flow of the story, if the battle lasted another ten pages longer, for example.

On a sidenote: This round of extermination reminded me of Trump vs Mexicans, Erdogan vs Kurds, Israel vs Palestinians, Bolsonaro and the Amazon tribes (indigenous people), and so on. The Sewers-community are so-called vermin, criminals, etc, must thus be exterminated.

All's well that ends well, you would say. But it isn't. The killing spree was very bloody, very efficient, even. There were many casualties, especially among the underground population. And sadly enough, Yuri's main circle of friends is among them. Sir Edward, Bran, Taliesin, Samuel, ... However, the library is saved, as are the many children hiding in there. The healer (I forgot her name) who guarded them, is also safe. While the ending may be dark and cruel, not all is lost; there is hope that the wrongs will be set right.

Book two will see our princess Yuri-hime returning to the palace, taking up her life as wife of Louis-Philippe, as princess of France. Or will she?

There is one page at the end, teasing you (the reader). Frédéric might think he can now roam free, under the auspices of the prince, but then an unexpected turn of events takes place. Nekohaima, Yuri's father, had a talk with Queen Gabrielle - or rather, she wanted to talk to him, for old times' sake - about Yuri, her escape, her life underground. He also finds out about the search party and decides to take action. He pays Frédéric a visit, one that doesn't end well for our betrayer. This bodes well for the sequel. Bring it on, I'd say!

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I don't always read YA-novels, but when I do... All meme-joking aside, this first novel, this voyage into a different, darker kind of Paris (hence the title), has been a positive surprise. The writing is very good, attractive and makes this story a page-turner. Whether you're a young or older adult, this book is not really restricted to one age group. Bring on book two, 'L'Héritage du Rail'.

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Looking forward to the sequel, I hope to see at least these questions answered:

But now that Yuri's friends are gone, will she have to accept her fate (to wed the prince)? Will she be able to escape again and stand up for herself?
Will her colonel and hybrid find out the real truth and rejoin her side, accept her view on the matter, on how she wants to live her life?
Will the relationship with her father improve?
What about the queen? What role will she play next?
What about the train crew, who were also close with the Sewers-community/Égouts?

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Some general remarks about this first book:

* As Morgan of Glencoe is also a bard, music plays an important role in the story. Not just the fact that the Sewers-community enjoys music and several members play an instrument or sing (remember, Taliesin is a bard, Barn his student, ...), but McPeake's song 'Wild Mountain Thyme' (Wikipedia-link) returns now and then, in pieces or in its entiry (at the end).

* Edward, Bran, Taliesin, ... often communicate in English.

* The main character is from Japan, so the use of Japanese words is more than a logic decision. However, there is nowhere any explanation of these terms. This could have easily solved through footnotes. I hope this will be the case in the second and third books.

* The clear distinction between both cultures: the Japanese and the French. One being more closed, more tightly organised than the other. Especially Ryûzaki takes his task very personal, protects Yuri with his own life, is vigilant like no other. Although he made one little mistake. I don't know the right expression, but this one comes close: All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. But here, it wasn't because of his own decision that he couldn't stay with Yuri 24/7.

* The author is a big fan of the word 'soudain' (English: suddenly). Using synonyms would have made the reading a little more attractive. See L'Internaute.fr. On the other hand, her use of 'soudain' reminded me of the French comedian Pierre Desproges, especially this video (YouTube-link, at /- 2:07). Desproges' definition (if I understood correctly, since it's an old recording): "...une clause de style destinée à veiller votre intérêt de façon appel honnête, dans la mesure où c'est en vain qu'on pourra tenter de déceler la moindre trace de soudaineté dans l'action qui va suivre." Simply brilliant, this play on words. :-)

* An often used expression, especially by the Orient-Express crew (and its captain): Suie et charbon! (English: Soot and coal!)

* Ren (the doctor on the train) is a close friend (if not lover) of Bran, but he too was subjected to assaults. His lab was blown to pieces, but he survived. How he fared after the underground search party, and who was behind the attack, I don't know any more, but I hope book two will provide the answers.

* Yuri showed compassion with Shura/Bran back in Japan. Bran not being human. Surprise, surprise, it's exactly the exotics (the non-human beings) who come to her rescue; the exact same beings whom prince Louis-Philippe seeks to eradicate.

* The train crew is called Fourmis (Ants), while the Sewers-community is referred to as Rats (as these rodents also dwell under the ground, in the sewers)

* Should you want a bit more information on this story, you can read this little interview (LINK) on ActuSF.com.

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.… (lisätietoja)

One year ago, Octobre 2019, [b:Dans l'ombre de Paris|52670317|Dans l'ombre de Paris|Morgan of Glencoe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566843089l/52670317._SX50_SY75_.jpg|51400838] - the first book in the series 'La Dernière Geste' - saw the light of day. A book that I really liked, as you can deduce from my review. Back then, the original idea was to make a trilogy of this series. Now that part two, [b: L'héritage du rail|55315012|L'héritage du rail (La Dernière Geste, #2)|Morgan of Glencoe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1599984595l/55315012._SX50_.jpg|86263883] (transl.: Inheritance of the Rail) has come out, the author has divulged in this interview on ActuSF.com that there will be... five (5) books: "Je sais comment finit le tome 5 et c'est pour ça que je sais qu'il y aura 5 tomes." (transl.: I know how book 5 ends, and that's why I know there will be 5 volumes.) Further details are still unknown.

'L'héritage du rail' is a direct continuation of 'Dans l'ombre de Paris'. You must have read the first volume before attacking the second one.

Princess Yuri has, after the attacks underground (with many casualties, especially on the side of the Égouts/Sewers, the underground population), been brought back to the palace, back to her groom-to-be, prince Louis-Philippe. Yuri, however, is still steadfast in her conviction to not marry him. She feels no love for him, she also doesn't understand the reason for this arranged marriage. Her father (Kenzo Nekohaima), on the other hand, stubbornly wants this marriage to go along, if not for his sake, then for political reasons, as the Japanese empire is part of a triad with France and the Ottoman Sultanat (Ottoman Empire).

Yuri has a plan to get back to her new friends, the people that lived in the Sewers (Rats), led by Sir Edward Longway, including her friends of Train 5 (the Ants or Fourmis): Bran, Taliesin, ...

Camille-Agnès Albane du Mont de Trente-Chênes still leads/is head of Train 5 (Rame 5), having the respect of all concerned. And that respect will also have to be shown later by Colonel Ryûzaki and his lieutenant HA-17/Levana, as they have to bring back princess Yuri. (It was said, at the court, that the Ants (Fourmis) had kidnapped her. It isn't until both of them are held hostage by the Ants, that Yuri explains her situation. Besides, 'hostage' is a strong word, as Ryûzaki and Levana can actually move freely inside the train, to their grand surprise. They can't do any damage without the train population overpowering them. Little by little, they will be accepted by the group, especially since Yuri vouched for them.)

After her recovery from the underground attacks, Yuri sees no other option but to flee. She has it all figured out, her new life (joining the Ants of Train 5), but that will prove to be a culture-clash, as she will have to be much more active than when being part of the royal family. Not that she minds, but it will turn her life upside-down once more. And not only hers, but also that of the train-ants.

Meanwhile at the palace, prince Louis-Philippe had installed and declared himself as the new king. Louis XX, his father, was strict and dictatorial during his reign. So much even that he locked up his wife and queen (Gabrielle). She was to not have any visits, not even from (th)he(i)r sons. As it happened, Louis-Philippe couldn't except his father's behaviour any more and dealt with it in unfortunate circumstances. (His younger brother, Charles-Henri, was seen coming out of his mother's chamber, for which King Louis would teach him a lesson... that would have killed the boy, if not for Louis-Philippe's timely intervention. Unfortunately, in the struggle with his father, he killed the king with the man's gun.) The country needed a king, so Louis-Philippe had to act fast and take decisive measures. One of which would be promoting Ariel (former court maid of Queen Gabrielle) and... trying his mother for treason (her long-time friendship with Sir Edward, who had become Louis-Philippe's enemy). However, ambassador Kenzo Nekohaima could not - after having reminisced about his past - let this happen. He'd already lost too many of his friends. Like Yuri, he would reconsider his life, the consequences of his actions in the past, ... It must be noted that, contrary to his father (King Louis XX), Louis-Philippe is more positive towards women, which is shown in his love for Yuri - he really does love her - and his new second in command, Duchess Aliénor d’Armentières.

Aside from (or because of) the turbulence at the royal court (Yuri disappeared, Louis-Philippe as new king), Train 5 (being a target) would be obliged to make a stop in Russia. Not just any stop, as heavy snow would force it to remain there for several months, while everything is done to continue the voyage. And Russia is also the home of Bran's former owner, when she (as Shura, her alter ego) was fighting in Japan. This time, however, the encounter occurs under very different circumstances. You'd almost forgive the man for his shared past with Bran.

Ultimately, as it will become clear that Yuri doesn't really fit into a community like the one on Train 5 - a busy, always-moving way of life -, the best way for her to start a new life is to move to Keltia (aka England). Keltia is where the rail and technology like cameras come from, and the country is also home to and has a positive stance towards Aelings, Selkies, will-o'-the-wisps, and alike. The Triad consideres these populations less than humans. Therefore, they have to be subjugated or exterminated. An impossible feat, because thanks to Keltia, trains ride within the Triad to transport goods, people who wish to go from one place to another (for whatever reason), letters and packages, and so on. The Triad can't live with Keltians and they can't live without Keltians. Without Keltian technology and know-how, the Triad's members would be as good as good shut off from one another, extremely put.

Bran would take Yuri to uncle Cliff (short for Clifford), a lord from Oxford. She would be allowed to stay there until she finds her own place. And whaddayaknow, her father and Gabrielle would also be there. And so, ties would be rekindled, although it would take effort from both sides to realise what happened and why certain decisions were made at the time. Kenzo Nekohaima would finally reveal to Yuri the reason for the arranged marriage, the roles of Ryûzaki and Levana, the friendship with Sir Edward Longway, and more. (Ryûzaki is actually a bastard son, when Kenzo had an affair with a prostitute. Because of political reasons, he had to stay out of the picture, was sent to military school. Afterwards, he was given the task to protect Yuri's life. On the other hand, Levana also had a task: to protect Ryûzaki, a confession that would stupefy Ryûzaki.)

In hindsight, this second volume is one in which several characters underwent drastic psychological changes:

* Yuri (still trying to find a purpose in life, which she hoped to find on Train 5, but kept panicking at how her situation was at the basis of many problems for almost everyone: her father, the Queen, the Rats, and the Ants - despite her broader understanding of everyone's situation),
* Kenzo Nekohaima (as the White Ambassador clinging perhaps too tightly to this function),
* Ryûzaki (Keltians aren't that bad after all; should I continue to maintain military discipline in anything I do or say?),
* Levana (magical abilities as a soldier, yet getting to be respected as a person),
* Pyro (a young will-o'-the-wisp having fled after the underground attacks, now orphan with his younger brother), Bran having closure after the second meeting with her former owner (no more fear, rather understanding)

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'L'Héritage du Rail' is an exciting, multi-layered page-turner of a novel. Morgan of Glencoe's writing allows for a vivid way of reading the story, of being on the front row to witness everything and of being able to relate to (some of) the characters. While the first volume showed the lay of the land and unleashed a violent event, this second volume really sucks you in for an intense ride with serious consequences for the rest of the series. It will be important, I believe, to take notes, in order to connect the dots.

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The questions I had after reading 'Dans l'ombre de Paris' were all answered, partially or entirely. The partially answered ones will surely be completed in the following volumes, starting with volume three: 'Ordalie' (2021?).

New questions:

* How will Yuri, Gabrielle, Kenzo Nekohaima and others fare in Keltia? All of them have cut their ties with their former way of living, their former positions. Now, they reside in a country with more freedom and less strict laws.
* Will ambassador Abbas Bennacer and dancer Kimiya influence Louis-Philippe's way of ruling? Or why were they introduced only briefly (at the trial of Queen Gabrielle and the crowning of the new king)
* How will newly-named Duchess Aliénor d’Armentières take up her new function?
* What about the Japanese Empire, now that the safety and existence of the clan Nekohaima is assured?

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A few remarks:

01) Music plays an important role in this second volume: Bran sometimes sings, but also plays the harp, either with her hands or hands-free. Strangely enough, however, she can carry her harp with her whilst being on the run. It's almost as if she can "summon", make it magically appear and disappear. Maybe that's the case, but not written as such.
The musical aspect makes perfect sense, as Morgan of Glencoe is also a musician.

02) Uncle Cliff may be living in Oxford, but unfortunately, I never noticed this in his way of speaking. A lord usually speaks in a sophisticated manner, "posh" as some may say. Think of Richard Dawkins, Boris Johnson, Hugh Grant, or series like 'Upstairs, Downstairs', 'You Rang, M'Lord?', or 'Downtown Abbey' (see also this video about the English accents in the series).

03) Speaking of language, what bothered me personally, is the excessive use of 'ouaip', which can be translated as 'yep'. Even adults used this word to answer positively or confirm something. It was probably intentional from the author's part, but why? Because of the characters, the context, or perhaps adapted to the kind of readers this book is largely marketed for? (young adults; make no mistake, this series is definitely food for adults, too)

04) There are footnotes on the pages with words or dialogues in Japanese, Breton, or English. That is of course a positive aspect, an initiative that more authors/publishers should follow.

05) Keltia, the home of magic (or rather, thanks to its various species who possess the ability to use magic in their doings): Ren, the train's doctor who can heal people through the laying on hands; Bran (and Taliesin, both bards) who can transport goods/people to and fro somewhere (like "Beam me up, Scotty"); Pyro (who made new, prosthetic wings for an Aeling who lost the ability to fly); Levana (sharper eyesight than humans, excellent shot); ...

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.… (lisätietoja)