published 1988
verdict: an enjoyable slice of generic fantasy, some weirdness, nicely written, i will read the sequels
- there is quite a lot of surprisingly enjoyable writing, especially e.g. descriptions of wooden houses & clockwork toys.
- compelling section in a boat along a haunted river, exploring ancient ruins, finding lost villages... and then hundreds of miles traversed 'off screen' because we need to finish the book & we're back in the city of nonces
- (i will flesh this out!)