I read the second and third books in Sharon Shinn’s Twelve Houses series in paperback a few weeks ago, and the fourth and most recent from the library recently. On the whole, I found these cozy entertainment, though nothing impressive in terms of form or content.
Well, with the exception of The Thirteenth House, the second book, which does two things: it explores the political situation of the twelve noble houses and their vassals, the House of the title. And it is the story of how Kirra and the potential regent—the married potential regent—fall in love. Unfortunately the book suffers from a fundamental structural imbalance, the complete failure to do justice to Donnal, Kirra’s devoted and constant companion. This Donnal-shaped hole is a fatal distraction for me.
The third book, Dark Moon Defender, is a better, more balanced book. It examines the religious order that murders mystics and supports rebellion against the king, through a convent novice who gradually realizes the true aims of the order and the danger it places her in. This is a somewhat conventional story of love and adventure, but I liked the characters and found it an enjoyable read.
At this point, my overall impression of the series was that the broader plot was developing very slowly. I also didn’t really think it would culminate in a war, for all that everyone kept predicting one, because it just didn’t feel like that kind of series. I also saw news on Shinn’s site (non-linkable Flash) about a potential fifth book, and so thought there was more space for the plot to develop in.
Well, Reader and Raelynx, the fourth book, proved me wrong. It does wrap up the arc begun in the first book, and it does include a war. Overall, I found its answers and resolutions satisfying, particularly the mythic aspects of the final confrontation. One or two of the scenes strained my suspension of disbelief, and I’m not sure I like the very end; but on the whole I found it very good comfort reading. I should note, however, that something about these books nearly mutes my critical facilities; I don’t know whether that’s cause or effect, but readers should take these comments with a grain of salt.
I find that my critical reading is suppressed when reading most Sharon Shinn. I’m not entirely certain what’s up with that, but since I don’t ask anything more of them than a few hours of undemanding entertainment, it’s not really a problem.