Play Book Tag discussion

Three Parts Dead - Max Gladstone

4 stars

I first read this book in 2013 but I did not write a review and I could not remember too much about what happened. I did remember that I liked it and would like to continue the series so I decided to reread it.

In the world of Three Parts Dead, magic is controlled by a series of laws and contracts. Tara, who has recently been thrown out of the magic school, is hired as a first-year associate in the international necromantic firm of Kelethres, Albrecht, and Ao. She is sent with her mentor to Alt Coulumb where their god has died. They must investigate what happened, because according to the contracts it should not have been possible to kill him.

I really enjoyed the world building in this book. The idea of magic being subject to contracts and legal agreements is unique and interesting. I liked the main characters. They were all flawed people who nevertheless stepped up when the situation called for it. There were times when I wasn't sure what was going on, but eventually it became clear. I am looking forward to reading more stories in this intriguing world.

BWF: Team Shadow & Flame, Letter T, tagged 167 times

You got me with "magic being subject to contracts and legal agreements is unique and interesting."

Cora wrote: "Three Parts Dead - Max Gladstone
4 stars
..."

I’m glad you liked it. I bought it a while ago because the author co-wrote a book I really loved. The set up also reminds me of a fantasy show I liked many years ago with a supernatural law firm. I like the characters so far.

NancyJ wrote: "Cora wrote: "Three Parts Dead - Max Gladstone
4 stars
..."

I’m glad you liked it. I bought it a while ago because the author co-wrote a book I really loved. The s..."

It is very different from This Is How You Lose the Time War (I am assuming that is the one you loved).

Cora wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Cora wrote: "Three Parts Dead - Max Gladstone
4 stars
..."

I’m glad you liked it. I bought it a while ago because the author co-wrote a book I real..."

Yes, that’s the one. Thanks for the warning. The writing style is very different, but I recognize some similarities in the creative magical ideas. (view spoiler)[ One of the characters condensed a powerful thing into the size of a seed and ate it. It didn’t make sense into much later, and then it was an amazing revelation. (hide spoiler)] I didn’t enjoy it all while I was reading it, but it came together nicely at the end.