Helpful Score: 1
Although not nearly as interesting as Bishop's Black Jewel or The Other stories, Bridge of Dreams was good. However, I really liked the short story Vision included in the book. Vision was definitely written at Bishop's high level. Therefore, 3 for the Bridge and 5 for the Vision for a overall 4 rating.
I find Anne Bishop's writing so engaging that I didn't want to stop while I was reading Bridge. Within the first 100 pages I was caught up in the story and the characters. And, if you have read Belladonna you will discover that Bridge of Dreams follows that novel to culminate the trilogy. Lee is the Bridge and brother to Belladonna. He finds himself examining how he feels about his sister's new role as both Glorianna and Belladonna.
As the novel progress, Lee finds himself in the city of Vision. The city is being engulfed by the darkness. He meets Zhahar, a member of the Sholeh Zeela a Zhahar tryad. Lee makes allies who help him learn some painful lessons as he struggles to help them succeed against those that threaten to destroy those who fight the Dark.
For some, Bridge is the weakest of the series but I found it fascinating as I plunged into the character of Lee. He is so complex and interesting and I recalled so much about him from previous novels that I felt comfortable with this one. Bishop does spend time helping the reader understand Ephemera and the world building concept she has developed. One reader suggested rereading all the books about Ephemera beginning with The Voice which is not part of the series and which I haven't read yet, proceeding in sequence to Sebastian, Belladonna and finally, Bridge of Dreams. Seen in that context, that individual felt the series was great. At any rate, I will continue to read this author and recommend her work to other fantasy readers.
As the novel progress, Lee finds himself in the city of Vision. The city is being engulfed by the darkness. He meets Zhahar, a member of the Sholeh Zeela a Zhahar tryad. Lee makes allies who help him learn some painful lessons as he struggles to help them succeed against those that threaten to destroy those who fight the Dark.
For some, Bridge is the weakest of the series but I found it fascinating as I plunged into the character of Lee. He is so complex and interesting and I recalled so much about him from previous novels that I felt comfortable with this one. Bishop does spend time helping the reader understand Ephemera and the world building concept she has developed. One reader suggested rereading all the books about Ephemera beginning with The Voice which is not part of the series and which I haven't read yet, proceeding in sequence to Sebastian, Belladonna and finally, Bridge of Dreams. Seen in that context, that individual felt the series was great. At any rate, I will continue to read this author and recommend her work to other fantasy readers.
