Galveston
A novel by Sean Stewart

During the Mardi Gras of 2004, Galveston was swept under a tide of magic. In order to survive, the new rulers of Galveston had to make hard choices, and institute procedures that would trap the magic of Mardi Gras in its own realm, separate from that of everyday Galveston. Now those walls are breaking down, and it is up to a new generation to do what the former could not: to learn to live in a world where magic is an inescapable part of life, and in which the moon god Momus wanders the streets.

And, as usual, life sucks. Really, it does. You never know what's going to happen to you, you never know anything for sure. You have to watch the people you love die, you have to live through both bad times and good. Sometimes decent, innocent people have to deal with the worst situations and the undeserving get all the breaks. For example, Josh Cane lived an affluent life until his lucky dad lost the house, and Josh spent the rest of his life on the outside of Galveston society. Then there's Sloane Gardner, who had it all until she had to watch her mother die slowly of Parkinson's Disease. Suddenly it was Sloane's responsibility to lead and protect Galveston, a responsibility she felt woefully unprepared for. Life just wasn't working out the way either of them wanted it to, just as it usually doesn't work out for us. Oh, life is good, it has its ups and downs, but long-term plans can, and do, go awry. And when you throw a little magic into the mix... well, anything can happen.

Stewart imbues Galveston with an importance and a depth that the casual reader really wouldn't expect. This isn't simply a story about magic or about an apocalyptic future, this is a story about life and humanity; it uses these ideas to explore human issues. This quality is what makes Stewart one of the most talented fantasy authors working today and also what makes so many genre books the only true literature produced by this generation of writers. Galveston is riveting and complex. It is simply an intellectual and emotional treat, tightly written with fascinating characters and situations. Please do your self a favor and go look into Galveston. You won't be sorry, I promise. After all, I'm always right, aren't I?

Re-read Factor: I will totally read this book again. Galveston has layers and layers that will only become more fascinating with each additional reading. This is a book that simply deserves to be reread, and I know I'll be doing so time and time again.

Sequel Factor: Ummmm, no I definitely do not see a sequel coming out of this book. Not that Galveston doesn't deserve a sequel mind you, it does. The quality of the novel, the depth of its plot and the texture of its story all attest to the fact that a sequel would be eminently worth reading. Plus there are multiple threads that Stewart just leaves hanging at the end of his novel. There is resolution, but a tricky kind of resolution. However, that is the nature of Stewart's style: he doesn't go in for either easy answers or easy endings.

Strong Chick Factor: Okay, so no one kicks ass in this, but there are still multiple chicks who are examples of the best type of women. There are the Grand Duchess and the Recluse who held Galveston together after that apocalyptic Mardi Gras, and then rule it afterwards. Also Sloane, who overcomes her own insecurities to become a heroine to dozens. Each woman in this story simply glows.

-- Megan Linton

Galveston, published by Ace Books, is currently available in hardcover.

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