J. M. McDermott

A steady 4.5 stars.
Death Mask and Eulogy is a novella set in what I guess is an alternate Italy (or perhaps just some created place) where death mask artists and eulogy writers vie for the best jobs, those of the bourgeoisie. This story follows Nova Coates, a young man who guards the tomb of an upper class family in the catacombs of the city. He is told to never open the tomb for fear of demonic wizards coming for the newly dead.

This is a quick read but worth every moment. I wasn't really sure where the story was headed until after the suicide party (gotta read to figure that one out). What happens next is so fast you may want to go back and reread the whole story again. The length allows for this to be easily done. And again I say it's worth it.

My only issue was I had some moments of confusion when reading some of the dialogue. I can see that it was possibly meant as a mechanism to follow the conversation, as if you are involved in it yourself. It was a bit distracting though.

This author has become a fast favourite of mine. I haven't been disappointed with what I've read so far.… (més)

As always, McDermott weaves a lovely tale. Straggletaggle is the story of a kingdom made from metal, gears, and blood, with a mad king willing to do the unthinkable to keep it all together and a princess who fights to stop the insanity from continuing.

Straggletaggle is beautifully written. There is just enough description to paint each scene but not too much as to be overwhelming. Each chapter is from the POV of a different character, which was a very interesting way to relay the story. It allowed for each character to have a voice, to tell their own part of the story as they each had an important role.

The first chapter was a bit tedious as the character is in a different realm of sorts. He is setting up the story but the ethereal nature of his state makes him hard to follow. The next few chapters are introductions of the main players and when these are done, the story begins to fall into place. It was engaging, thrilling, and I was not disappointed.

McDermott never fails to surprise me with his ability. His stories are not for simple entertainment. They are thought provoking and compelling. Straggletaggle is typical McDermott and I love the steampunk Saxonia and alternate Europe that is the location for the story. This is definitely worth the read.… (més)

J.M. McDermott's Never Knew Another is a fantasy novel about two people, Jona Lord Joni and Rachel Nolander, who are both demon children of the Nameless who must hide their true nature from fear of being put to death. Set in a medieval type world, their story is told in a very interesting way - through the eyes of the people that are hunting Rachel and other demon children. It is explained from chapter one that Jona is dead (or so it seems, I'm hoping somewhere there is a loophole in the second book!) and what you're reading are his memories.

Delivering a story this way may seem confusing but McDermott is adept at telling stories in an unexpected way. The way it progresses, you almost forget that what is happening is from the past. Even Rachel's memories are siphoned from what Jona knew of her. The switch from memory to present is fluid.

I wanted to like Jona but found it hard. He is rather arrogant, even though he is supposed to be hiding his demon blood. He would do anything to protect himself, it's really no wonder he is so lonely. A lot of time is spent in the beginning explaining how damaging demon blood is that Rachel's introduction brings a softer tone. Her life has been completely different from Jona's. Her physical appearance is more affected by her blood so she has to be more careful. She has been on the run with her brother for a very long time and has never known comfort.

The synopsis says that Never Knew Another is the story of how Jona and Rachel met but mostly tells back story on Jona. What it accomplishes is showing how much he wants a person to love and one that can love him back without hurting her (because humans can get sick from exposure to demon blood or saliva). There are glimpses into Jona and Rachel's life together so the synopsis may seem misleading but it is the first in a trilogy. Knowing what I know of McDermott, I'd wager the next two books will show more of their time together and will be as magnificent as this one.… (més)