Four Roads Cross

This is a dense book that weaves many of the threads laid in the stories before it, it sits at a complex nexus of character and plot. It does threaten to burst a little at the seams, but as always the climax makes meandering a little though the many plot points worth it. It must have taken so much planning and organization to achieve this. It is wonderful to be back in Tara's shoes, no one quite blends her wit, sense of responsibility, and relatable underdoggedness to stay adamantly human in the inhuman world of craft and gods. I look forward to seeing her perspective again. As always Max Gladstone flexes his writing prowess to bloom in juicy prose, just enough to call attention to the love of the written word, but never enough to overstay it's welcome and become purple. I have always loved how he treads that line. When dealing with forces such beyond comprehension it pays to use words that cannot describe, but allude.