I wrote this three hours ago:

I’m a little more than halfway through “An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors”, a debut novel from Curtis Craddock, and I’m seriously enjoying it. A fantasy based loosely on Europe of the Musketeers era, but the nations are chunks of rock floating in a turbulent sky, with airships plying the traderoutes. Sorcery is reserved for the nobility, and it’s all twisted and a bit obscene. The principle characters are a princess of one of the ruling families, born with a deformed hand and a lack of sorcerous ability, and her sworn protector, a musketeer. With no warning, they are thrust into the middle of vast political schemes and machinations, which are igniting sparks that could lead to all out war. There are fascinating mysteries to solve at every turn, and shocking revelations when least expected. And on top of all that, there’s a hint the heroine may be part of the fulfillment of prophecy that may mean the end of the world. The world building is turned up to 11, and so far the story is equally vivid. I sure hope it ends as well as it’s begun!

Three hours later and I’ve finished the book. Wow, I so did not disappoint. An absolutely thrilling climax with multiple page-turning escalations. I rarely give books a full five stars. But this novel certainly earned them. I can’t wait to read Craddock’s next outing!