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Astreiant #5
Point of Sighs
Magic, murder and danger in Astreiant.
Rumors are swirling among the boatmen that the Riverdeme, the ancient spirit of the river, once bound by the magic of the city's bridges, is back and hunting handsome young men. The broadsheets are full of dire predictions and Adjunct Point Nicolas Rathe has been handed a case that involves a murdered tea trader, a death that implicates a prominent merchant family in the crime.
Philip Eslingen, now a captain in the City Guard, is assigned to assist him in navigating city politics and rivalry between the Points stations, as well as finding the killer. But there are tales from the riverside about extortion and violence and one murder follows another. Philip’s stars are bad for water and the Riverdeme is on the prowl…
Rumors are swirling among the boatmen that the Riverdeme, the ancient spirit of the river, once bound by the magic of the city's bridges, is back and hunting handsome young men. The broadsheets are full of dire predictions and Adjunct Point Nicolas Rathe has been handed a case that involves a murdered tea trader, a death that implicates a prominent merchant family in the crime.
Philip Eslingen, now a captain in the City Guard, is assigned to assist him in navigating city politics and rivalry between the Points stations, as well as finding the killer. But there are tales from the riverside about extortion and violence and one murder follows another. Philip’s stars are bad for water and the Riverdeme is on the prowl…
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
18 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Scott
100 books449 followersScott studied history at Harvard College and Brandeis University, and earned her PhD. in comparative history. She published her first novel in 1984, and has since written some two dozen science fiction and fantasy works, including three co-authored with her partner, Lisa A. Barnett.
Scott's work is known for the elaborate and well-constructed settings. While many of her protagonists are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, this is perfectly integrated into the rest of the story and is rarely a major focus of the story. Shadow Man, alone among Scott's works, focuses explicitly on issues of sexuality and gender.
She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 1986, and has won several Lambda Literary Awards.
In addition to writing, Scott also teaches writing, offering classes via her website and publishing a writing guide.
Scott lived with her partner, author Lisa A. Barnett, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 27 years, until the latter's death of breast cancer on May 2, 2006.
Scott's work is known for the elaborate and well-constructed settings. While many of her protagonists are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, this is perfectly integrated into the rest of the story and is rarely a major focus of the story. Shadow Man, alone among Scott's works, focuses explicitly on issues of sexuality and gender.
She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 1986, and has won several Lambda Literary Awards.
In addition to writing, Scott also teaches writing, offering classes via her website and publishing a writing guide.
Scott lived with her partner, author Lisa A. Barnett, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 27 years, until the latter's death of breast cancer on May 2, 2006.
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June 3, 2018I saved this for my holiday with superhuman self restraint and then glommed it on the plane over. Ahhh bliss. I adore the Astreiant series--it's stunningly immersive, so fully realised and well drawn that it's actually disorienting when you stop reading and aren't there. Nico and Philip remain adorable with their low key romance, the mystery in this has some spectacularly creepy horror elements and there's a real sense of doom.
Can I note how much I love the matriarchal society here. I have read a zillion fantasy novels of which barely any have made the mental leap into 'suppose society wasn't all about men' in the first place. Of the few that do, these are the only ones that I can think of that carry through the structure into language, so that our male viewpoint characters think of women as the default. (eg Philip reflects on the price of some trinket that it costs what an average woman might earn in a week--meaning, an average person.) It's this sort of attention to detail and intelligent working through that makes Scott's work so special.
Fabulous, beautifully written and eminently rereadable.
Can I note how much I love the matriarchal society here. I have read a zillion fantasy novels of which barely any have made the mental leap into 'suppose society wasn't all about men' in the first place. Of the few that do, these are the only ones that I can think of that carry through the structure into language, so that our male viewpoint characters think of women as the default. (eg Philip reflects on the price of some trinket that it costs what an average woman might earn in a week--meaning, an average person.) It's this sort of attention to detail and intelligent working through that makes Scott's work so special.
Fabulous, beautifully written and eminently rereadable.
June 26, 2018
I very much enjoyed the part of this book where Nico threatens entire rooms of people, multiple times, if they don't help him find Phillip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2018
This the fifth in the series and though you can probably enjoy it as a standalone, I don't recommend it. The world-building is really, really good but also is built up slowly and steadily in the other books.
This is (as usual in this series) mostly a police procedural - and not a bad one at that. The plot sometimes dragged its (metaphorical) feet a little but there was a really nice, suspenseful showdown . I missed my train to work - 'nuff said.
But.
Here I'm getting a tiny bit whiny. I know this is not a romance. I know this is not m/m. I know. Still. Is it too much to ask to let the guys at least hug occasionally (e.g. after being mortally afraid that their other half had died a horrible death?). I'm totally fine with the sex fading to black. But for the author to going to such great lengths to create an entire bloody society in which having same-sex relationships is not only fine but abso-fucking-lutely normal - and then have them bump shoulders in this situation...
I don't get it. I just don't get it. Everybody and their little sister knows that those guys are an item.
Nico blackmails a number of people to get Phillip out of a very hairy situation. They are so good together. Not heart-shaped eyes and silly little notes but they are really, really solidly in love.
But not a single hug was given.
Melissa, I love you and I have enormous respect for you as an author. But really. You were one of the people who broke that wall fucking down! Let them hug in public! The 90s are over! Well, not all around the world but you are writing a story in a whole different universe, even! Let them HUG!
...
*ahem*
Rant over. Maybe I closed my eyes for a second and there was a hug. I doubt it but it's possible.
It's still a good book and highly recommended for people who like the series.
This is (as usual in this series) mostly a police procedural - and not a bad one at that. The plot sometimes dragged its (metaphorical) feet a little but there was a really nice, suspenseful showdown . I missed my train to work - 'nuff said.
But.
Here I'm getting a tiny bit whiny. I know this is not a romance. I know this is not m/m. I know. Still. Is it too much to ask to let the guys at least hug occasionally (e.g. after being mortally afraid that their other half had died a horrible death?). I'm totally fine with the sex fading to black. But for the author to going to such great lengths to create an entire bloody society in which having same-sex relationships is not only fine but abso-fucking-lutely normal - and then have them bump shoulders in this situation...
I don't get it. I just don't get it. Everybody and their little sister knows that those guys are an item.
Nico blackmails a number of people to get Phillip out of a very hairy situation. They are so good together. Not heart-shaped eyes and silly little notes but they are really, really solidly in love.
But not a single hug was given.
Melissa, I love you and I have enormous respect for you as an author. But really. You were one of the people who broke that wall fucking down! Let them hug in public! The 90s are over! Well, not all around the world but you are writing a story in a whole different universe, even! Let them HUG!
...
*ahem*
Rant over. Maybe I closed my eyes for a second and there was a hug. I doubt it but it's possible.
It's still a good book and highly recommended for people who like the series.
May 2, 2022
4.5 rounded up
A delight, as always! This actually might be my favorite so far, as I felt there was, maybe, a smidge more relationship/character stuff here, which is my true love. It was also fun to continue to see the expansion of the world-building, which really is super interesting, both in terms of the thourough matriarchal society, and the way astrology and ~magic~ are utilized. The case was gripping, and I'm very excited that there should be more books in this 'verse at some point! Some minor editing errors, which has been an issue throughout the series and I do wish the author could get a better copy editor, but truly a very minor quibble. Definitely going to check out some of Scott's other works!
A delight, as always! This actually might be my favorite so far, as I felt there was, maybe, a smidge more relationship/character stuff here, which is my true love. It was also fun to continue to see the expansion of the world-building, which really is super interesting, both in terms of the thourough matriarchal society, and the way astrology and ~magic~ are utilized. The case was gripping, and I'm very excited that there should be more books in this 'verse at some point! Some minor editing errors, which has been an issue throughout the series and I do wish the author could get a better copy editor, but truly a very minor quibble. Definitely going to check out some of Scott's other works!
August 9, 2019
This falls into my favourite genre of storytelling styles, where things are so intricately and effortlessly knitted together that you can get two thirds of the way through the book and a single throwaway line carries so much WEIGHT that you have to set the book down and take a short walk. In this case it's Eslingen saying he doesn't take fees, which if you've READ the series you know (oh, you know) the weight of that, and if you haven't makes no sense as a comment.
This also falls into my favourite genre of plotting style, where the worldbuilding flawlessly informs the plot and back around again, to the point that a murder investigation can turn on the price of a pound of tea, and that's fully understandable to the reader.
This ALSO falls into my favourite genre of character interactions, where people refer to each other by their last names and are very correct and then are given away by how expensive the wine they order for each is, and onlookers whisper behind their hands about how in love they are.
All of which is to say that I am pretty sure this book is amazing, but I really can't make that judgement call because it is basically constructed as though someone was playing bingo with a sheet made out of entirely my favourite things in story. Okay admittedly there could be more ladies and we could see more of my favourite necromancer, but I'm patient, I can wait for the university story.
This also falls into my favourite genre of plotting style, where the worldbuilding flawlessly informs the plot and back around again, to the point that a murder investigation can turn on the price of a pound of tea, and that's fully understandable to the reader.
This ALSO falls into my favourite genre of character interactions, where people refer to each other by their last names and are very correct and then are given away by how expensive the wine they order for each is, and onlookers whisper behind their hands about how in love they are.
All of which is to say that I am pretty sure this book is amazing, but I really can't make that judgement call because it is basically constructed as though someone was playing bingo with a sheet made out of entirely my favourite things in story. Okay admittedly there could be more ladies and we could see more of my favourite necromancer, but I'm patient, I can wait for the university story.
November 9, 2024
Fantasy police procedural set in a world similar to early Renaissance Europe, with a matriarchal, bisexual society where astrology is real and can be deadly.
5th book is a return to what makes this a fun series. This mystery wasn’t astrology based, and the plot twists were a little more obvious than some previous books. But it was such a pleasure to spend time with our crime solving team of Nico and Philip - romantic partners who work for (sometimes) competing organizations.
Part of Nico’s character is that he’s a pointsman (policeman) who doesn’t take fees (bribes) - I’ve read the “only honest policeman” trope in other fantasies and I just accepted it at face value in this series. But this book had me wanting to know more - why doesn’t he, when everyone else does? I’m not sure it really makes sense.
5th book is a return to what makes this a fun series. This mystery wasn’t astrology based, and the plot twists were a little more obvious than some previous books. But it was such a pleasure to spend time with our crime solving team of Nico and Philip - romantic partners who work for (sometimes) competing organizations.
Part of Nico’s character is that he’s a pointsman (policeman) who doesn’t take fees (bribes) - I’ve read the “only honest policeman” trope in other fantasies and I just accepted it at face value in this series. But this book had me wanting to know more - why doesn’t he, when everyone else does? I’m not sure it really makes sense.
June 24, 2018
Another entry in Melissa Scott's Astreiant series. If you haven't been reading these and you think a m/m fantasy police-procedural mystery sounds like your thing, you should definitely be reading these -- but probably don't start with this one.
The city of Astreiant, I have to say, seems very fashionable; every book the city is seized with some kind of new and different seasonal fad. We've had flowers and plays, we've had a fair and dog-racing, and this book it's tea. Yep. Everyone is drinking tea, and I don't remember them doing this at all before in any of the books. Anyway, Astreiant is still great, and it's obvious that Melissa Scott knows her stuff, worldbuilding-wise, because she always manages to make Astreiant feel like a believable city in kind of a Renaissance Holland way. (I am not that up on that era of history, but clearly she is.) Also I still appreciate how Astreiant is clearly a matriarchy.
Nico and Philip's relationship continues to be very nice, if understated, and the actual plot was, as always very readable, and who doesn't like man-eating fish? I have to say that mysteries are not really my favorite thing, so I am here for the fantasy aspect, which did not disappoint.
Recommended for fans of the series!
The city of Astreiant, I have to say, seems very fashionable; every book the city is seized with some kind of new and different seasonal fad. We've had flowers and plays, we've had a fair and dog-racing, and this book it's tea. Yep. Everyone is drinking tea, and I don't remember them doing this at all before in any of the books. Anyway, Astreiant is still great, and it's obvious that Melissa Scott knows her stuff, worldbuilding-wise, because she always manages to make Astreiant feel like a believable city in kind of a Renaissance Holland way. (I am not that up on that era of history, but clearly she is.) Also I still appreciate how Astreiant is clearly a matriarchy.
Nico and Philip's relationship continues to be very nice, if understated, and the actual plot was, as always very readable, and who doesn't like man-eating fish? I have to say that mysteries are not really my favorite thing, so I am here for the fantasy aspect, which did not disappoint.
Recommended for fans of the series!
May 16, 2021
Rep: gay mc, bi mc
January 27, 2025
A tea captain has been murdered in Point of Sighs. A prime suspect is quickly (too quickly?) identified: the brother of a renowned tea merchant who was seen to quarrel with the victim shortly before his death and happens to reside in Point of Dreams, leading to squabbles over jurisdiction between Sighs and Dreams. Dreams Adjunct Point Nicolas Rathe and his Sighs counterpart Dammar have barely begun to look into the crime in grudging cooperation when Dammar is brutally attacked and left for dead, adding a new angle to the investigation. At the request of the tea merchant's family, the newly formed City Guard, in the person of Nico's lover Philip Eslingen, has also been asked to participate in finding who was responsible for the captain's murder. Coming at the investigation from different sides, Nico and Philip uncover a number of shady goings-on, though all of that pales beside the swirling rumours that the Riverdeme, an ancient murderous river spirit that has long been bound by the city's warded bridges, has been released and more and more corpses mauled by the vicious dogfish associated with her are being hauled out of the river.
I just love this wonderfully immersive world and the characters that inhabit it so much, it's hardly surprising that I enjoyed this latest installment in the series just as immensely as the previous ones. Melissa Scott just never disappoints.
I just love this wonderfully immersive world and the characters that inhabit it so much, it's hardly surprising that I enjoyed this latest installment in the series just as immensely as the previous ones. Melissa Scott just never disappoints.
June 1, 2018
Is it my imagination or am I seeing glimmers of a multi-volume arc?????
December 24, 2024
Phillip Enslingen is now Captain of Prince-Marshall Coindarels new City Guard. He’s a man who dresses in a uniform to impressive. He also feels Nicolas Rathe should dress to impress too, since he is Adjunct Point of Dreams, second in command. But Rathe has no worries about that. But for Enslingen, dressed to impress, isn’t working for him. It seems his planets were in detriment and the moon in the dolphin and water was not his friend as he keeps getting soaked. Enslingen is not only ironing his shirt but today he’s ironing out the broadsheet for Rathe to look over the seal for legitimacy and the tale of the curse of the ugly dogfish. It seems the ugly dogfish had been seen recently as they had been extinct for centuries. Rathe didn’t have to deal with this as: Point of Sighs, Graves and Customs were responsible for the docks on the southern bank. He explains to Eslingen, it involves a handmaid of the river spirit, the spirit of Sier and they called her Riverdeme. She was known to take a number of drowned men to her bed. No one seemed to believe the three hundred year old tale.
Seems that Rathe and Enslingen’s time is disturbed when Point Sohier delivers an urgent message and Rathe is on the move again, back to Point of Dreams by request of Chief Trijn. There’s been a murder in Point of Sighs. His Chief has introduced him to the man in attendance, Sr. Adjunct Edild Dammar of Point of Sighs. He has a claim to talk with a resident of of the Dreams district. Rathe knows of Dammar and his bad reputation at Sighs and outside his own station. Dammar demanded fees but never stayed bought. There’s definite friction between Dammar and Rathe, especially when Dammar doesn’t get his way. Chief Trijn had advised Rathe to keep the issue as calm as possible. Meisenta Staenka is a friend to her sister, the Grande bourgeois, Chief Astreiants regent and council of merchants that govern the city business.
Mattaes Staenka has been claimed for murder. Mattaes is of the Staenka house and his sisters Meisenta and Redel are very important tea merchants. The claim is Mattaes quarreled with Capt. Ketel Bes’Anthe and knifed him between the ribs. The tea trade had become very competitive and some ships had not returned to port yet making it more difficult. As Mattaes had turned twenty-five, Meisenta felt it was time for him to take part in the tea trade family business.
As much as Dammar wanted to take Mattaes to Sighs, a deal with fees is made to have him held at Point of Dreams. Dammar takes the fee but tries to bribe Rathe with half of the fees. Rathe stays true to his word, he never takes fees from anyone. He works only for his salary. But the situation get’s complicated when Dammar is attacked and Rathe is appointed to take the Adjunct Point position at the hostile Sighs station.
Enslingen in the meantime, has gotten caught up in a case of extortion on the docks. He finds out from young Steen that there’s danger to all that don’t pay. Things get broken, delay in unloading trade, things go missing and even accidents. Enslingen is not sure what he can do but he would certainly turn to Rathe and discuss the matter.
As issues escalate, Enslingen and Rathe will once again work together to investigate all the chaos. It’s not just the danger but how frightening will it get for Enslingen?
Melissa Scott knocks it out of the park with “Point of Sighs: A Novel of Astreiant”. I believe this is my favorite novel out of all of them. There’s suspense, mystery, excitement, magic, the use of poison, romance and heart stopping danger. I don’t want to spoil this novel and add anything else but it get’s intriguing with the centuries old tale of the dogfish.
I really like the change that comes over Nicolas Rathe. He really shows a variety of emotions from: jealousy, anger, fear, caring and a determination to not give up especially when it comes to Enslingen. I’m still curious why he keeps his horoscope and astrological signs secret. Rathe also faces the reality that others had an eye for Enslingen and it comes out with: Cambrai and Balfort De Vain. There’s also the scenes when Rathe sees the results of the attack on Enslingen and the heartwarming and tender care he gives him. Enslingen is charming and I love his banter and snark. I like that he really doesn’t accept how attractive he is to others. Of course, he still has that little enthusiastic ball of fur, Sunflower to look after.
Two characters that peaked my interest were: Euan Cambrai and Saffroy. Cap’pontoise Cambrai has no shame and is a character I would like to see more of. Saffroy his tillerman and second in command has a strong role in the novel, too.
As I have read all five novels at this point, I noticed that women really have a large representation in the stories. It seemed to standout with “Fair’s Point” and “Point of Sighs”. The women of these stories have just as many responsibilities as the men. They are: Chief’s of the different Points or work as Points, they are knife’s, business owners, over see political and government positions, work on the docks and ships, train and own dogs and so much more. There is an interesting lesson in tea making and the combinations of spices and teas that are used with the Staenka Tea business.
I highly recommend “Point of Sighs: A Novel of Astreiant” in fact the entire series is worth getting immersed in, starting with “Point of Hopes”. “Point of Hopes” is the first novel and introduces the Astreaint world and how it’s divided by the Points and how the population functions. It’s not romantic but it reflects the building of a friendship between Philip Enslingen and Nicolas Rathe. It’s interesting to see where its all leads.
Melissa Scott is an outstanding story teller and I hope there’s more to come.
Seems that Rathe and Enslingen’s time is disturbed when Point Sohier delivers an urgent message and Rathe is on the move again, back to Point of Dreams by request of Chief Trijn. There’s been a murder in Point of Sighs. His Chief has introduced him to the man in attendance, Sr. Adjunct Edild Dammar of Point of Sighs. He has a claim to talk with a resident of of the Dreams district. Rathe knows of Dammar and his bad reputation at Sighs and outside his own station. Dammar demanded fees but never stayed bought. There’s definite friction between Dammar and Rathe, especially when Dammar doesn’t get his way. Chief Trijn had advised Rathe to keep the issue as calm as possible. Meisenta Staenka is a friend to her sister, the Grande bourgeois, Chief Astreiants regent and council of merchants that govern the city business.
Mattaes Staenka has been claimed for murder. Mattaes is of the Staenka house and his sisters Meisenta and Redel are very important tea merchants. The claim is Mattaes quarreled with Capt. Ketel Bes’Anthe and knifed him between the ribs. The tea trade had become very competitive and some ships had not returned to port yet making it more difficult. As Mattaes had turned twenty-five, Meisenta felt it was time for him to take part in the tea trade family business.
As much as Dammar wanted to take Mattaes to Sighs, a deal with fees is made to have him held at Point of Dreams. Dammar takes the fee but tries to bribe Rathe with half of the fees. Rathe stays true to his word, he never takes fees from anyone. He works only for his salary. But the situation get’s complicated when Dammar is attacked and Rathe is appointed to take the Adjunct Point position at the hostile Sighs station.
Enslingen in the meantime, has gotten caught up in a case of extortion on the docks. He finds out from young Steen that there’s danger to all that don’t pay. Things get broken, delay in unloading trade, things go missing and even accidents. Enslingen is not sure what he can do but he would certainly turn to Rathe and discuss the matter.
As issues escalate, Enslingen and Rathe will once again work together to investigate all the chaos. It’s not just the danger but how frightening will it get for Enslingen?
Melissa Scott knocks it out of the park with “Point of Sighs: A Novel of Astreiant”. I believe this is my favorite novel out of all of them. There’s suspense, mystery, excitement, magic, the use of poison, romance and heart stopping danger. I don’t want to spoil this novel and add anything else but it get’s intriguing with the centuries old tale of the dogfish.
I really like the change that comes over Nicolas Rathe. He really shows a variety of emotions from: jealousy, anger, fear, caring and a determination to not give up especially when it comes to Enslingen. I’m still curious why he keeps his horoscope and astrological signs secret. Rathe also faces the reality that others had an eye for Enslingen and it comes out with: Cambrai and Balfort De Vain. There’s also the scenes when Rathe sees the results of the attack on Enslingen and the heartwarming and tender care he gives him. Enslingen is charming and I love his banter and snark. I like that he really doesn’t accept how attractive he is to others. Of course, he still has that little enthusiastic ball of fur, Sunflower to look after.
Two characters that peaked my interest were: Euan Cambrai and Saffroy. Cap’pontoise Cambrai has no shame and is a character I would like to see more of. Saffroy his tillerman and second in command has a strong role in the novel, too.
As I have read all five novels at this point, I noticed that women really have a large representation in the stories. It seemed to standout with “Fair’s Point” and “Point of Sighs”. The women of these stories have just as many responsibilities as the men. They are: Chief’s of the different Points or work as Points, they are knife’s, business owners, over see political and government positions, work on the docks and ships, train and own dogs and so much more. There is an interesting lesson in tea making and the combinations of spices and teas that are used with the Staenka Tea business.
I highly recommend “Point of Sighs: A Novel of Astreiant” in fact the entire series is worth getting immersed in, starting with “Point of Hopes”. “Point of Hopes” is the first novel and introduces the Astreaint world and how it’s divided by the Points and how the population functions. It’s not romantic but it reflects the building of a friendship between Philip Enslingen and Nicolas Rathe. It’s interesting to see where its all leads.
Melissa Scott is an outstanding story teller and I hope there’s more to come.
July 3, 2018
A satisfyingly twisty mystery that delves more into Astreiant’s past. As with the rest of this series, the cast of supporting characters, both new and recurring, were diverse and well-drawn, and Philip and Nico’s relationship continues to be wonderful to read about. They’ve reached a kind of cozy domesticity with each other that I really love.
The rainy, fall setting made this perfect reading for a hot summer day by a nice, calm lake.
cw: there’s a lot of drowning, near-drowning and possibility of drowning in enclosed spaces.
The rainy, fall setting made this perfect reading for a hot summer day by a nice, calm lake.
cw: there’s a lot of drowning, near-drowning and possibility of drowning in enclosed spaces.
February 4, 2021
ahhhh this was so good!! mystery, territorial drama between precincts, domestic moments, and the softest epilogue - one that I definitely needed after all the drama at the end of the book!
I love how every book in the series expands the universe, showing us not just more about Astreiant but also the laws and rules of magic and physics and whatnot. It's exactly what I want from a series - not just 'more of the same', but new things - personal relationships evolving, the geography expanding, the mythology broadening.
I hear Melissa Scott is currently working on the next book in the series, Point of Graves, and I am SO STOKED for it you can't even imagine!
I love how every book in the series expands the universe, showing us not just more about Astreiant but also the laws and rules of magic and physics and whatnot. It's exactly what I want from a series - not just 'more of the same', but new things - personal relationships evolving, the geography expanding, the mythology broadening.
I hear Melissa Scott is currently working on the next book in the series, Point of Graves, and I am SO STOKED for it you can't even imagine!
March 12, 2022
Best one yet.
I picked up this series in my neverending quest to find something similar to my beloved Nightrunner, and I'm happy to say I finally found what I was looking for - the two are very different in terms of plot, pacing and genre, but at their core they unite everything I love in my favourite books: a vibrant, vivid world that I just want to return to again and again, a well-thought-through society that is blissfully non-patriarchal and non-heteronormative, and a low-key queer romance that quietly and happily exists at the background of the main storyline.
I picked up this series in my neverending quest to find something similar to my beloved Nightrunner, and I'm happy to say I finally found what I was looking for - the two are very different in terms of plot, pacing and genre, but at their core they unite everything I love in my favourite books: a vibrant, vivid world that I just want to return to again and again, a well-thought-through society that is blissfully non-patriarchal and non-heteronormative, and a low-key queer romance that quietly and happily exists at the background of the main storyline.
August 1, 2018
YAYYYYY
July 28, 2020
I'm!! Boats!! River monsters!! The best boyfriends!!! Philip constantly nearly dying in water!!! A meddling handsome twink!! I can't articulate how much I enjoyed this!!! Also bathhouses?!!!!
July 4, 2024
I immensely enjoyed the whole series, it is, so far, one of my reading highlights of the year. It may not be the best fit if someone prefers their fantasy to be very action-packed, the books can be on a slower side (not Point of Sighs particularly, which has plenty going on in it, but you do need to get through a lot of Points of Hopes where nothing of substance really happens to actually get to Point of Sighs). But. The world (and world-building) is great, realized in a vivid, convincing detail without long pages of info dumping, the causal matriarchy is refreshing (I loved how it was presented in the every day language – when Nico first used the female pronouns for a completely unknown suspect I was a bit confused and a resulting “aha!” moment was fun) and by the Point of Sighs I felt right at home in Astreiant. I like the writing style, which always helps, and, by the fifth book, Nico and Philip may be one of my favourite relationships in fantasy (or fiction in general).
While I binge-read the whole series in a (working!) week, The Point of Sight – along with Point of Dreams – is the book I enjoyed the most. It’s one of the best things of any longer series, when you feel comfortable with characters and settings from a first page, and I definitely had that feeling here. The atmosphere of the city besieged by bad weather created a good background for the plot, which was engaging and the personal high stakes were fun (for a reader, at least). Both Nico and Philip (and Nico and Philip together) got good stories here, and Philip in particular being always soaked by the downpour and grumpy about it was - and I don’t use that term lightly - endearing.
Bonus points for Sunflower taking his rightful place on the bed. Wholeheartedly agreeing with Philip, he is a very good dog.
While I binge-read the whole series in a (working!) week, The Point of Sight – along with Point of Dreams – is the book I enjoyed the most. It’s one of the best things of any longer series, when you feel comfortable with characters and settings from a first page, and I definitely had that feeling here. The atmosphere of the city besieged by bad weather created a good background for the plot, which was engaging and the personal high stakes were fun (for a reader, at least). Both Nico and Philip (and Nico and Philip together) got good stories here, and Philip in particular being always soaked by the downpour and grumpy about it was - and I don’t use that term lightly - endearing.
Bonus points for Sunflower taking his rightful place on the bed. Wholeheartedly agreeing with Philip, he is a very good dog.
March 20, 2018
I had not read any of Melissa Scott's fantasy but was a big fan of her Trouble and her friends book so I was unsure what I would think of this fantasy with a male couple as the leads. I am not a big fantasy fan because much of it has unimaginative plotting. I realized as soon as I read the opening pages that it was my type of book. She has mixed crime/police procedural with fantasy and each of the male leads works for a different force.
This being Book 4 was not a problem as the characters are distinct enough that you don't get them mixed up (a problem with some slow starting gay novels I have attempted to read in the past). The action moves quickly and the setting is straight forward enough it does not require the prior stories to make sense. The relative positions of men and women in the society was a novel change from most fantasy with male points of view. The feminism behind everything was quite clear and made the male characters behave very differently then in most fantasy. It was a breathe of fresh air to not have to worry about poor treatment of women.
I loved the river scenes and boats as it reminded me of Glasgow where I used to live. The plot is complex and twisty and comes with the horrific scenes like usually found in crime novels. The motivations of the enemies are complex and although some things are done in the name of religion, it is not just religious crazies trying to kill people.
Rathe and Eslingen make a good couple. That they care for each other is clear, but neither is dependent on the other. They obviously like having jobs where they can work together sometimes and like any couple would, they try to get as much work time together as they can. The bad guys attack those investigating them, making both Rathe and Eslingen potential targets. The fact they are a couple makes the partner safety issue of large importance and puts the reader on edge when the fellows are out of contact with each other.
Without the modern crime setting with mobile phones, the communication between characters becomes a large issue so it makes the entire thing seem like a crime novel set in an alternate middle ages world but with a sort of noir feel to it. As I like to read Tartan Noir crime novels, it was right up my alley.
If you want a fantasy with a different type of plot, definitely try this world. Male point of view in a feminist setting is rare in fantasy and not usually pulled off in this excellent manner. Readers of crime fiction or detective fiction would probably like this novel as well.
Would definitely like to read earlier and future volumes in this setting.
This being Book 4 was not a problem as the characters are distinct enough that you don't get them mixed up (a problem with some slow starting gay novels I have attempted to read in the past). The action moves quickly and the setting is straight forward enough it does not require the prior stories to make sense. The relative positions of men and women in the society was a novel change from most fantasy with male points of view. The feminism behind everything was quite clear and made the male characters behave very differently then in most fantasy. It was a breathe of fresh air to not have to worry about poor treatment of women.
I loved the river scenes and boats as it reminded me of Glasgow where I used to live. The plot is complex and twisty and comes with the horrific scenes like usually found in crime novels. The motivations of the enemies are complex and although some things are done in the name of religion, it is not just religious crazies trying to kill people.
Rathe and Eslingen make a good couple. That they care for each other is clear, but neither is dependent on the other. They obviously like having jobs where they can work together sometimes and like any couple would, they try to get as much work time together as they can. The bad guys attack those investigating them, making both Rathe and Eslingen potential targets. The fact they are a couple makes the partner safety issue of large importance and puts the reader on edge when the fellows are out of contact with each other.
Without the modern crime setting with mobile phones, the communication between characters becomes a large issue so it makes the entire thing seem like a crime novel set in an alternate middle ages world but with a sort of noir feel to it. As I like to read Tartan Noir crime novels, it was right up my alley.
If you want a fantasy with a different type of plot, definitely try this world. Male point of view in a feminist setting is rare in fantasy and not usually pulled off in this excellent manner. Readers of crime fiction or detective fiction would probably like this novel as well.
Would definitely like to read earlier and future volumes in this setting.
June 16, 2018
This is my favorite in the series so far. Each book is a nice mix of fantasy and mystery/police procedure. I don’t think you need to have read the previous books, the author does a good job with the world building in each and the plot doesn’t depend on anything that happened previously. But if you have read the previous books, it’s nice to see Philip and Nico’s relationship growing. Their jobs are somewhat complementary now, they can legitimately work together. But there’s always the hint that they could be on opposing sides, at least politically, at any time.
Without giving any spoilers, I have to say that I love how Philip’s problems with water - it’s bad for his stars (an interesting version of astrology) - get progressively worse and feed into a very satisfactory conclusion.
Without giving any spoilers, I have to say that I love how Philip’s problems with water - it’s bad for his stars (an interesting version of astrology) - get progressively worse and feed into a very satisfactory conclusion.
August 13, 2019
These books give me life.
I will have to wait for a reread to really think about how I liked it compared to the others in the series -- but any moment spent in Astreiant is precious to me. <3
[re-read 8/19: I love these books an excessive amount. I don't think this is the strongest in the series (and I still am confused on the plot, like how Philip's ensign is related to the tea family), but it hardly matters. It does stress me out that Philip ends up in peril for a while towards the end, even on a re-read, but those less sensitive than I would never be bothered. But had they *ever* drunk tea in the other books???]
I will have to wait for a reread to really think about how I liked it compared to the others in the series -- but any moment spent in Astreiant is precious to me. <3
[re-read 8/19: I love these books an excessive amount. I don't think this is the strongest in the series (and I still am confused on the plot, like how Philip's ensign is related to the tea family), but it hardly matters. It does stress me out that Philip ends up in peril for a while towards the end, even on a re-read, but those less sensitive than I would never be bothered. But had they *ever* drunk tea in the other books???]
August 1, 2025
Read the five books in the series in a weekend. Consummate world-building—I lived in Astreiant, knew the streets, feared the river, ducked into taverns out of the rain. Effortless layering of small details to create an immersive experience. The plots kept things rattling along, with a suitable blend of decent / amoral / villainous / stupid characters. Yes, the romance is just a bit too understated and yes, that was mildly disappointing. But I pulled myself out of Scott's world just long enough to subscribe to her Patreon and start to look forward to book 6.
November 12, 2025
Evil feesh are the best feesh. Very dramatic, I love it.
March 15, 2019
One of the things I love about how Asteriant novels are structured is how we learn more about the world with each new book: Rathe and Eslingen's adventures jump from one point to the other in a way that makes sense and doesn't feel forced. (On the other hand, I'll be really sad once we run out of points to cover and does that mean the series is over?)
Point of Sighs is situated by the docks and so pointswomen's duties usually involve problems with cargo ships and the trade that relies heavily on them. Like in Fairs' Point we see a problem with delayed goods, but this is far from a rehash of old mysteries. (It's been a while since I read the previous installment, but my gut instinct tells me I shouldn't expect to see Caiazzo in this novel--my sieve-like memory wants to tell me that Caiazzo's part in Rathe and Eslingen's lives has drawn to a close for the moment--but it was still something of a disappointment to see talk about possibly illegal merchant dealings and not have Caiazzo involved somehow. He's such a favourite of mine.)
In Point of Sighs we're talking about tea and the shipping that's happening across the Sier. And also the dangers hiding in the waters. And of course, all of this happens when the stars were not in Eslingen's favour. I spent most of the novel waiting for the shoe to drop on the poor guy and it does eventually. I swear, do not start reading this book when it's late and you need to go to work early next morning. It doesn't start slow nor is the pacing bad by the way, but it definitely hurtles at breakneck speed once we're past the midpoint and I just had to know what happens next.
Remember that in Astreiant, the mystery that appears to be of magical or supernatural nature (usually proven to be scientifically explainable in other mystery novels) always turns out to be exactly of magical or supernatural in nature. What I love about it, though, is that the machinations are always human, done by people whose motives are understandable--if not always something we can sympathise with. We likely won't ever have to deal with mythical river spirits in our lives but the web of human greed and the taxation of goods ground the novel remarkably well. It's definitely still very much a police procedural.
I should also mention that I really admire how Rathe handled pressure in this novel. It's so refreshing to have a protagonist who's raring to go, with panic and adrenalin rush, and have him step back, try to calm down, and try to think logically. But then again, Rathe is a pointsman.
I've noticed a handful of typos in my copy (epub version, purchased from Smashwords) and tbh at some point I need to buy physical copies of these books because I love the covers--the art looks amazing and the actual paper feels so good.
Point of Sighs is situated by the docks and so pointswomen's duties usually involve problems with cargo ships and the trade that relies heavily on them. Like in Fairs' Point we see a problem with delayed goods, but this is far from a rehash of old mysteries. (It's been a while since I read the previous installment, but my gut instinct tells me I shouldn't expect to see Caiazzo in this novel--my sieve-like memory wants to tell me that Caiazzo's part in Rathe and Eslingen's lives has drawn to a close for the moment--but it was still something of a disappointment to see talk about possibly illegal merchant dealings and not have Caiazzo involved somehow. He's such a favourite of mine.)
In Point of Sighs we're talking about tea and the shipping that's happening across the Sier. And also the dangers hiding in the waters. And of course, all of this happens when the stars were not in Eslingen's favour. I spent most of the novel waiting for the shoe to drop on the poor guy and it does eventually. I swear, do not start reading this book when it's late and you need to go to work early next morning. It doesn't start slow nor is the pacing bad by the way, but it definitely hurtles at breakneck speed once we're past the midpoint and I just had to know what happens next.
Remember that in Astreiant, the mystery that appears to be of magical or supernatural nature (usually proven to be scientifically explainable in other mystery novels) always turns out to be exactly of magical or supernatural in nature. What I love about it, though, is that the machinations are always human, done by people whose motives are understandable--if not always something we can sympathise with. We likely won't ever have to deal with mythical river spirits in our lives but the web of human greed and the taxation of goods ground the novel remarkably well. It's definitely still very much a police procedural.
I should also mention that I really admire how Rathe handled pressure in this novel. It's so refreshing to have a protagonist who's raring to go, with panic and adrenalin rush, and have him step back, try to calm down, and try to think logically. But then again, Rathe is a pointsman.
I've noticed a handful of typos in my copy (epub version, purchased from Smashwords) and tbh at some point I need to buy physical copies of these books because I love the covers--the art looks amazing and the actual paper feels so good.
March 29, 2020
My literary diet lately has been almost exclusively nonfiction, which probably explains why my hand reached out one night for Point of Sighs among all the books jostling for my attention on the shelves at the head of my bed.
Time to return to Astreiant. Long past time, in fact. I loved both Point of Hopes and Point of Dreams, co-written by Melissa Scott and her longtime partner, the late Lisa A. Barnett. I knew that Melissa had continued the series, but life (and all that damned nonfiction) got in the way. Somehow, though, I managed to acquire Point of Sighs, and it couldn't have been by accident since I've been out of the f/sf world for a long time now.
Not long enough, however, to resist the pull of Astreiant, and Melissa Scott's writing. Point of Sighs did not disappoint. It kept me up at night and made me late to rise for several mornings in a row.
Like its predecessors, Point of Sighs is a mystery/police procedural set in the fantasy city of Astreiant, and like them it features Nicolas Rathe, pointsman (think cop or detective), and his partner, Philip Eslingen, a former soldier who is now a captain in the newly formed City Guard. The plot kicks off with (of course) a dead body. Investigation leads first to the younger son of a merchant family, thence to the pointsman from a neighboring district who seems overeager to convict the youth, and before long to the growing suspicion that an ancient evil, long bound by magic, is loose again.
As Nico and Philip, aided by Euan Cambrai, a power on the city's economically crucial waterfront, follow leads and connect the dots (and subsequent dead bodies), the reader gets to explore the nooks and crannies of this fully, vividly, brilliantly evoked city and meet a generous assortment of its denizens. Walking down the streets or docks of Point of Sighs, I often feel that I'm seeing, hearing, touching, and smelling everything the characters do -- but if you can draw a map of the route through corridors, tunnels, and channels that Nico and Philip follow en route to the book's climax, you're a far better cartographer than I!
Now I'm off to fill the holes in my Astreiant collection. Back soon.
Time to return to Astreiant. Long past time, in fact. I loved both Point of Hopes and Point of Dreams, co-written by Melissa Scott and her longtime partner, the late Lisa A. Barnett. I knew that Melissa had continued the series, but life (and all that damned nonfiction) got in the way. Somehow, though, I managed to acquire Point of Sighs, and it couldn't have been by accident since I've been out of the f/sf world for a long time now.
Not long enough, however, to resist the pull of Astreiant, and Melissa Scott's writing. Point of Sighs did not disappoint. It kept me up at night and made me late to rise for several mornings in a row.
Like its predecessors, Point of Sighs is a mystery/police procedural set in the fantasy city of Astreiant, and like them it features Nicolas Rathe, pointsman (think cop or detective), and his partner, Philip Eslingen, a former soldier who is now a captain in the newly formed City Guard. The plot kicks off with (of course) a dead body. Investigation leads first to the younger son of a merchant family, thence to the pointsman from a neighboring district who seems overeager to convict the youth, and before long to the growing suspicion that an ancient evil, long bound by magic, is loose again.
As Nico and Philip, aided by Euan Cambrai, a power on the city's economically crucial waterfront, follow leads and connect the dots (and subsequent dead bodies), the reader gets to explore the nooks and crannies of this fully, vividly, brilliantly evoked city and meet a generous assortment of its denizens. Walking down the streets or docks of Point of Sighs, I often feel that I'm seeing, hearing, touching, and smelling everything the characters do -- but if you can draw a map of the route through corridors, tunnels, and channels that Nico and Philip follow en route to the book's climax, you're a far better cartographer than I!
Now I'm off to fill the holes in my Astreiant collection. Back soon.
December 17, 2019
This is the latest book in Astreiant series. If you’re wondering why I’m year late in reviewing, the answer is that I didn’t know it existed. It was pleasant surprise to discover it (through I wailed at the thought that it took me a year to find out). I loved previous books in series and was quite said at the thought it was finished.
While I definitely liked characters, Nico and Philip, and the slow burn romance as they slowly progressed from acquaintances to lovers, the main draw of this series is world-building. It’s quite dense, goes into intricate details and flows with sardonic observations and astoundingly realistic descriptions. It’s meticulously done and sucks the reader right in. The plot is marshaled by both the background and the strength of characters. The romance part is pretty lightly touched, but it’s integral part of overall plot, as the characters make it work.
It’s matriarchal society, with the queen and noble titles and businesses inherited by women. IT’s rather interesting setting for story with two male characters. Nico is equivalent of cop in this world, and he is unique among his colleagues because he doesn’t take bribes, which is the norm in this world. Philip is soldier for hire. He is good at his job, but he got his commission because he was sleeping with his commanding officer. (Which, again, no one holds against him).
Astrology plays a large part in this world, same as their equivalent of scandal sheets. The story toils slowly away, giving nothing but barest traces of clues only to have quite intense ending. I could really sink into story and the way everyday life goes for Philip and Nico. This one was a little scarier than most (but that could be because I’m fond of legends and myths of all kind, so this one was frighteningly familiar)
Would it be possible to read this one as standalone? As far as mystery plot goes yes, but considering the dense world-building, I would recommend reading them in order. I enjoyed each and every one, so it’s not a hardship!
While I definitely liked characters, Nico and Philip, and the slow burn romance as they slowly progressed from acquaintances to lovers, the main draw of this series is world-building. It’s quite dense, goes into intricate details and flows with sardonic observations and astoundingly realistic descriptions. It’s meticulously done and sucks the reader right in. The plot is marshaled by both the background and the strength of characters. The romance part is pretty lightly touched, but it’s integral part of overall plot, as the characters make it work.
It’s matriarchal society, with the queen and noble titles and businesses inherited by women. IT’s rather interesting setting for story with two male characters. Nico is equivalent of cop in this world, and he is unique among his colleagues because he doesn’t take bribes, which is the norm in this world. Philip is soldier for hire. He is good at his job, but he got his commission because he was sleeping with his commanding officer. (Which, again, no one holds against him).
Astrology plays a large part in this world, same as their equivalent of scandal sheets. The story toils slowly away, giving nothing but barest traces of clues only to have quite intense ending. I could really sink into story and the way everyday life goes for Philip and Nico. This one was a little scarier than most (but that could be because I’m fond of legends and myths of all kind, so this one was frighteningly familiar)
Would it be possible to read this one as standalone? As far as mystery plot goes yes, but considering the dense world-building, I would recommend reading them in order. I enjoyed each and every one, so it’s not a hardship!
October 8, 2018
I love this series and I love the two main characters, Philip Eslingen and Nico Rathe. I love that in this book they're getting a little more settled into their relationship. And they've not forgotten Sunflower, the dog! I love that Nico is a born pointsman (policeman), smart, logical, observant and so upright sometimes that it hurts! And I love that Philip, one of the leaders of the new City Guard (a type of militia unit), is more of a running on instinct fellow, more liable to jump to the right conclusions and just sly enough to get by. And I love that the author doesn't forget to remind us of his soldiering/cavalry roots.
The mystery this time around focusses on the water. The weather, the river, the tunnels beneath the city. Philip is quite unlucky with water, his stars being very bad for it. There are abductions, murders, thugs and bribery. There are river monsters and a river spirit who is absolutely evil. And there are some pointespeople at the Point of Sighs office that we start to get to know, mostly don't trust at the beginning but then see Rathe be Rathe and grudgingly they begin to be won over.
One thing that bugged me however, and I don't remember it being the case in previous books. The society of Nico and Philip's world is matriarchal. No problem, I'm good with that. But in many instances, the narrative would read something like... oh... he was looking for a place where a woman might hide - it was every woman for herself - which is all well and good, but when the story is being told from a man's POV, it's kind of jarring for me. Because I find myself wondering if why they're looking for a woman, if they're ONLY looking for a woman, did I miss why it's a woman. It felt almost obnoxious to my reading ear, but maybe that's because I'm 61 years old with 55 years of reading under my belt and habits are hard to break.
But I loved this visit to Astreiant and I truly hope there are more, 'cause I'll be there to buy them!
The mystery this time around focusses on the water. The weather, the river, the tunnels beneath the city. Philip is quite unlucky with water, his stars being very bad for it. There are abductions, murders, thugs and bribery. There are river monsters and a river spirit who is absolutely evil. And there are some pointespeople at the Point of Sighs office that we start to get to know, mostly don't trust at the beginning but then see Rathe be Rathe and grudgingly they begin to be won over.
One thing that bugged me however, and I don't remember it being the case in previous books. The society of Nico and Philip's world is matriarchal. No problem, I'm good with that. But in many instances, the narrative would read something like... oh... he was looking for a place where a woman might hide - it was every woman for herself - which is all well and good, but when the story is being told from a man's POV, it's kind of jarring for me. Because I find myself wondering if why they're looking for a woman, if they're ONLY looking for a woman, did I miss why it's a woman. It felt almost obnoxious to my reading ear, but maybe that's because I'm 61 years old with 55 years of reading under my belt and habits are hard to break.
But I loved this visit to Astreiant and I truly hope there are more, 'cause I'll be there to buy them!
May 7, 2018
3.5 stars but an iconic read, and one novel that I wouldn't miss for the world.
I can't believe I have waited four years for the new instalment in the Astreiant series. Although these follow-on books I feel have never been as strong as the first two I still love Scotts writing very much.
The Philip angst in this novel is high and I loved every second of it... that last scene made me unable to put the book down and I had to finish it to make sure everyone was okay.
In Point of Sighs Nico and Philip, who is one of the best fictional couples, find themselves once again in the middle of a series of murders that seem to tie back to a mysterious ancient water spirit. But this time Philip is in danger as his stars are bad for water. This comes to fruition as bodies start being washed up on the shore, half eaten by fish. It is up to Rathe to figure out who has awoken the Riverdeme.
Yet although I loved this book I felt that the mystery/ crime element was a bit weak and I wasn't sure how it all tied together in the end. Overall, however, a good solid read and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys Ellen Kushner's Swordspoint.
I can't believe I have waited four years for the new instalment in the Astreiant series. Although these follow-on books I feel have never been as strong as the first two I still love Scotts writing very much.
The Philip angst in this novel is high and I loved every second of it... that last scene made me unable to put the book down and I had to finish it to make sure everyone was okay.
In Point of Sighs Nico and Philip, who is one of the best fictional couples, find themselves once again in the middle of a series of murders that seem to tie back to a mysterious ancient water spirit. But this time Philip is in danger as his stars are bad for water. This comes to fruition as bodies start being washed up on the shore, half eaten by fish. It is up to Rathe to figure out who has awoken the Riverdeme.
Yet although I loved this book I felt that the mystery/ crime element was a bit weak and I wasn't sure how it all tied together in the end. Overall, however, a good solid read and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys Ellen Kushner's Swordspoint.
May 28, 2018
I enjoyed it better than the previous book in the series. The mystery was much easier to follow this time and more interesting, IMHO. Added to the the murder mystery that Nico and Philip have to deal with are a legend loosed, political machinations of their respective organizations, and unwanted affection.
Only downside is the author doesn't seem to spend a lot of time on the further development of Nico and Philip's relationship. I had the impression that, after 4.5 books, their relationship was pretty comfortable - especially considering they declare each other leman - but Philip states at one point in the book that he doesn't want Nico to see him at anything other than his best since their relationship was still pretty new.
It would be nice if the author carved out a couple of pages in the book to let Nico and Philip hash out where they stand with each other. Nico *did* make a declaration, in a roundabout way, of the depth of his regard for Philip - what with the threatening of the other Points in Sighs - but just my personal preference if they talked instead.
Only downside is the author doesn't seem to spend a lot of time on the further development of Nico and Philip's relationship. I had the impression that, after 4.5 books, their relationship was pretty comfortable - especially considering they declare each other leman - but Philip states at one point in the book that he doesn't want Nico to see him at anything other than his best since their relationship was still pretty new.
It would be nice if the author carved out a couple of pages in the book to let Nico and Philip hash out where they stand with each other. Nico *did* make a declaration, in a roundabout way, of the depth of his regard for Philip - what with the threatening of the other Points in Sighs - but just my personal preference if they talked instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
Hoping for more
This is another really good adventure for our heroes but I will say I'm pretty upset by the way it ended - not the 'end' but the part right before the end. Not going to say any more because I don't want to spoil it but the darned thing made me cry.
Adjunct Point Rathe has been temporarily assigned to Sighs due to the Chief there being in a family way and their Senior Adjunct having been stabbed and thrown off the bridge and nearly drowned. There's extortion on the docks, multiple deaths, the return of a legendary river monster and a youngster who wants to be part of the City Guard and has a huge crush on Eslingen.
Kept me on the edge of my seat and I had no idea who the guilty party was until the end. Really do like that we never know any more than the main characters do because we're trying to solve it just like they are.
Hope she plans to continue because we still have Temple, City and Manufactury Points at least to see before I'll consider this even close to done.
This is another really good adventure for our heroes but I will say I'm pretty upset by the way it ended - not the 'end' but the part right before the end. Not going to say any more because I don't want to spoil it but the darned thing made me cry.
Adjunct Point Rathe has been temporarily assigned to Sighs due to the Chief there being in a family way and their Senior Adjunct having been stabbed and thrown off the bridge and nearly drowned. There's extortion on the docks, multiple deaths, the return of a legendary river monster and a youngster who wants to be part of the City Guard and has a huge crush on Eslingen.
Kept me on the edge of my seat and I had no idea who the guilty party was until the end. Really do like that we never know any more than the main characters do because we're trying to solve it just like they are.
Hope she plans to continue because we still have Temple, City and Manufactury Points at least to see before I'll consider this even close to done.
August 18, 2025
"Love is strange and complicated, he wanted to say; it kindles quick as tinder and it takes years to ripen."
The Guard, mounted policeman answering to the Prince Marshal, is now a reality and Philip Eslingen is one of its captains - despite Nico’s concerns that the Guard will interfere and poach cases from the Points. To make matters worse, a beautiful 17 year old boy in the Guard has his sights set on Philip.
But whatever strain Philip’s new job puts on their relationship, it’s soon eclipsed by badly eaten corpses turning up on the river, accusations of murder against a wealthy family’s son, and the possible resurrection of an ancient spirit. Nico and Philip have their work cut out for them - work made worse because Philip’s star chart makes injury or death by water a real possibility.
Simply outstanding - beyond the Kindle book, I need the real, physical books of this series in my home library.
The Guard, mounted policeman answering to the Prince Marshal, is now a reality and Philip Eslingen is one of its captains - despite Nico’s concerns that the Guard will interfere and poach cases from the Points. To make matters worse, a beautiful 17 year old boy in the Guard has his sights set on Philip.
But whatever strain Philip’s new job puts on their relationship, it’s soon eclipsed by badly eaten corpses turning up on the river, accusations of murder against a wealthy family’s son, and the possible resurrection of an ancient spirit. Nico and Philip have their work cut out for them - work made worse because Philip’s star chart makes injury or death by water a real possibility.
Simply outstanding - beyond the Kindle book, I need the real, physical books of this series in my home library.
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