This book is like a steam train; well made, reliable, adored by some, but somewhat linear and clunky. Apologies for my second pointless metaphor. It is a deserving member of the shortlist, but definitely not this year's winner. The world in which it is set is somewhat sketchy, and the plot an amalgamation of several styles, which is not 100% successful. However, that being said, it is a good story, which I recommend.

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