Review #2 - The Virtu, Sarah Monette

General Comments: This is another solid book, but again lacked something in the outstanding department.  There isn't anything I disliked about it, but it still failed to blow me away.  It's the second book in the tetralogy, but the conflict is completely resolved by the end, which left me wondering where the next two were going to go.  This one picks up exactly where the last one left off.  If you want a synopsis one can be found here.

Characterization: Felix and Mildmay once again take centre stage as the main characters.  There is a significant difference in this book, however, as Felix is sane.  The characterization is still very strong.  While Felix may now be sane and therefore the possibility exists for he and Mildmay to establish a kinship, their relationship is still strained, largely due to the fact that Mildmay saw Felix at his most vulnerable.  The tension between the two is dynamic and frequently frustrating, but never dull.  There is a definite element of realism to their dysfunctional relationship that adds depth to both the story and the characters.

Plot: The plot is again elegant and sophisticated.  There are some surprises that will maintain interest.  Labyrinths feature a lot more centrally in this one, and as the series is called "Doctrine of Labyrinths" that shouldn't really come as a surprise.  However, the labyrinth aspect was almost completely absent from the previous book, so it was good to see where the series got its name.

Writing: The writing is good, actually, the writing is great.  One thing about a book written by a woman with a PhD in English is you know the writing is going to be worthwhile.  Monette maintains the voices of the two protagonists and her narration frequently breaks the fourth wall, but in a way that is natural, conversational even, and therefore not jarring or disillusioning.

Setting: The setting is well executed in this work.  The story revisits a number of locations from the previous book, but manages to make them fresh and new.  Part of this is accomplished through Felix, as his perspective is quite different and his view of the places they encounter adds and element that wasn't there previously.

Overall Rating: 4/5