I’d have to put this one in the “chick lit” category; there were some times it seemed about to rise above that…but it never wholly did. Story of a Brit who finds out her birth mother was American… Lots of interesting family / adoption stuff.

But also really annoying “things that Brits say about us that I have never experienced once in my almost 42 years of life as an American” stereotypes or psuedo witticisms. So every time I was enjoying reading it there would suddenly be something that just ticked me off. For example, I’ve never once made tea by heating water in a microwave for 30 seconds and then using the same tea bag for three mugs. In fact, no one has ever made me tea that way either. I’m sure you see what I mean: ANNOYING. Makes you want to go around your apartment shouting out random insults at the British.

There were things I liked about it. But I thought there were things that could have been done better.

A really interesting mix of old traditions and modern technology. Very unexpected. Travelers (those who can move between realms) and Harlequins (those who protect them) and Pathfinders (their teachers) and the society that’s out to destroy them all. And Ninja moves and surveillance and swords and motorcycles and skyscrapers and primitive utopian farms in the middle of nowhere. Really intriguing. Just couldn’t put it down.

And at the very bottom of the last page it says “Book One of the Fourth Realm”…so I guess there’s going to be a sequel! Yippee!

The third in a fantasy series that I am really…into. These are sexy books with great imagery and interesting ideas. You can read it just for the one level, or you can read deeper; your choice. Mmmmmm.

I have a friend who refers to Laurie Colwin books as “tomato soup and grilled cheese.” They are usually quiet and somewhat reserved but really quirky and funny when you get to know them. She writes great dialogue that feels refreshingly real. I think Misty was my favorite character but really I would love to be friends with any of these people.