The shuddering city by Sharon Shinn

Shinn opens her high fantasy with a gripping description of travellers stranded as earthquakes destroy the bridges leading into the city of Corcannon. The magic that had knit a continent together is breaking apart and threatens the heart of the land. Among the isolated are Pietro who fears he knows the reason for his world cracking apart, a soldier named Jayla who is seeking work and a young child, Aussen, who has a mysterious power. Cody, a courier who can walk the high cables above the city, comes to the rescue of the stranded people, walking a tightrope across the deep gorge, enabling a bridge to be spanned over the dangerous break. In the meantime, back in the wealthy part of the city, Madeleine, is planning her wedding to Tivol, but wondering if Reese is the person she is in love with. Then there is the mystery of Villette, a young woman imprisoned by the high priest, and guarded by Brandon, a young temple soldier.

Told from multiple viewpoints, Shinn manages to weave together a fascinating story of diverse characters, who all have a key role to play in trying to save the city. Each of her protagonists is richly described and it is easy to follow the story from the differing viewpoints and a twist in the plot might be a surprise to some readers. Shinn excels in describing emotions and the romances in the book are low key but will appeal to lovers of romance.

I am a fan of Sharon Shinn’s books – she always delivers with relatable characters and events, leaving the reader satisfied with her conclusion. This will be a book I will re-read when I am seeking a feel-good tale to lift my spirits. Readers who enjoy Juliet Marillier’s books or the Pern books by Anne McCaffrey are likely to enjoy The shuddering city.

Themes: Fantasy, Romance.

Pat Pledger