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Three Parts Dead

Book 1 in the series:Craft Sequence

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'Three Parts Dead' in the series 'Craft Sequence' by Max Gladstone is a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and steampunk genres. The story follows Tara, an apprentice at a magical firm, as she investigates the mysterious death of a god. The world is intricately built with a magic system that resembles contract law, where gods are like commercial banks and power is traded like assets. The plot unfolds with elements of a murder mystery, courtroom drama, and exploration of morality and faith, all set in a modern and technology-focused polytheistic society.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and arcs that explore themes of ambition, morality, and personal growth in a fantastical context.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is detailed and imaginative, effectively merging legal language with fantasy elements, creating a rich and engaging narrative atmosphere.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around the innovative concept of blending magic with legal and economic systems, highlighting a young woman's quest to investigate and potentially resurrect a god, all while navigating complex relationships and societal rules.

Setting:

The setting is a vibrant and imaginative city, integrating both urban and fantastical elements, creating a unique backdrop for the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, though some readers may find the frequent shifts in perspective can disrupt the flow.
By the grace of fortune (or something else), she landed three mere miles from what passed for an oasis in the Badlands, a stand of rough grass and brambles clustered around a brackish spring. She coul...

Notes:

The book blends urban fantasy with legal thriller elements.
It features a unique magic system called "Craft" that involves contracts and divine power.
Tara Abernathy, the protagonist, is a young craftswoman expelled from a hidden school.
Tara is hired by a magical law firm to investigate the death of a god.
Gods are treated like a credit system, and their power is extracted in return for devotion.
The story takes place in the city of Alt Coulumb, which has a steampunk feel with advanced technology and magic.
Characters in the book include vampires, gargoyles, and a chain-smoking priest named Abelard.
The narrative is appealing due to its fresh take on magic and dealings with divine beings.
Many readers noted the vivid world-building and complex plot twists.
The book is recognized for its strong female characters, including a mentor figure who is a successful businesswoman.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include instances of violence, discussions of death, and themes related to addiction.

From The Publisher:

"Stunningly good. Stupefyingly good." -Patrick Rothfuss

Max Gladstone's Craft Sequence chronicles the epic struggle to build a just society in a modern fantasy world.

A god has died, and it's up to Tara, first-year associate in the international necromantic firm of Kelethres, Albrecht, and Ao, to bring Him back to life before His city falls apart.

Her client is Kos, recently deceased fire god of the city of Alt Coulumb. Without Him, the metropolis's steam generators will shut down, its trains will cease running, and its four million citizens will riot.

Tara's job: resurrect Kos before chaos sets in. Her only help: Abelard, a chain-smoking priest of the dead god, who's having an understandable crisis of faith.

When Tara and Abelard discover that Kos was murdered, they have to make a case in Alt Coulumb's courts?and their quest for the truth endangers their partnership, their lives, and Alt Coulumb's slim hope of survival.

Set in a phenomenally built world in which lawyers ride lightning bolts, souls are currency, and cities are powered by the remains of fallen gods, Max Gladstone's Craft Sequence introduces readers to a modern fantasy landscape and an epic struggle to build a just society.

For more from Max Gladstone, check out:

The Craft Sequence

Three Parts Dead

Two Serpents Rise

Full Fathom Five

Last First Snow

Four Roads Cross

Ratings (12)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (41):

Read It (13)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (20)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
3 months

4 stars

RTC

Happy Reading!

 

About the Author:

MAX GLADSTONE went to Yale, where he wrote a short story that became a finalist in the Writers of the Future competition. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

 
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