Science Fiction
Sojourn Chronicles has me mildly curious for a slightly unfashionable reason: I’m interested in whether the mystery is doing enough work here.
Mystery, science fiction and wizardry can be a very good mix. Or they can feel like three different books sharing a corridor. If the search for King Yaybar gives the story a proper spine, it could work nicely. If not, the world-ending Gorg business may end up doing most of the heavy lifting.
That’s usually the difference for me. A strong premise is fine, but I want the puzzle to earn its place.
Mystery, science fiction and wizardry can be a very good mix. Or they can feel like three different books sharing a corridor. If the search for King Yaybar gives the story a proper spine, it could work nicely. If not, the world-ending Gorg business may end up doing most of the heavy lifting.
That’s usually the difference for me. A strong premise is fine, but I want the puzzle to earn its place.
The bit that catches my eye is the “and company” part. Mystery lives or dies on who is carrying the questions, not just what the questions are. If Dale and the rest are just moving pieces between the King Yaybar thread and the Gorg threat, it could get muddy fast.
A good fantasy-mystery needs some real pressure in the investigation itself. Otherwise it’s just a quest wearing a detective hat.
A good fantasy-mystery needs some real pressure in the investigation itself. Otherwise it’s just a quest wearing a detective hat.