This is an amazing book. I had 24 hours to spend in Paris, it was my first trip, and I don't speak French. With the help of Paris Confidential, I stayed in a great hotel, had one of the best and most memorable meals of my life, found my 'signature scent', and bought a great suit.

The format of the book is well organized and the index is broken down by neighborhoods, as well as by subject. So it is really easy to use. Also the book is nice and slim, so it's easy to carry.

I left my Paris Confidential with a friend in Strasbourg. I'm buying another copy, although I have no immediate plans to return to Paris. I want to thank the authors for a wonderful 24 hours.

Enter the world of Isvalta, where nothing is similar to that of the workings of the real world. Or at least, that is what Bridget Lederle found out.

Bridget Lederle was a Lighthouse Keeper on Sand Island in Lake Superior, shunned by the local community, she has had to keep the light with just herself and some friends of the family. The loss of her father, and her baby sits heavily on her shoulders...and she believes her life will be this way forever.

That is, until the fateful night where she rescues a man named Valin from being consumed by the lake's rage and shoals. Promising her glory and fame he takes her to the world of Isvalta, where many things happen that do not in the real world. Where magic can be woven into even the simplest things.

Bridget is told that she must save the Empire, for she is a powerful sorceress. Is what Valin tells her to be believed? Read this great book to find out!

As an avid fan of fantasy fiction I was looking forward to entering into this new world I'd discovered. I only gave it a 4 star rating as I felt it took to long to actually start the tale, although once started I was totally engrossed and especially found the way she included the plottings and ministrations of the gods (the vixen,Baba Yaga etc) truly marvellous! I rushed out to buy book two and must admit to being slightly disappointed as it is a prequel concerning the tale of Avanasy and Ingrid, the first book had left me desperate to find out what happened to Brigett, I can only hope the third book goes back to this enthralling tale.

I wasn't even looking to buy myself a new book, but it just caught my eye as I walked past the shelf in the bookstore where I work - and I can honestly say it's the best few pounds I've ever spent! Having never heard of Sarah Zettel before I didn't quite know what sort of quality to expect, but I found I couldn't put it down - I actually stayed up until 5 in the morning just because I couldn't bear not to finish it! Zettel is a little slow to start, but introduces her characters well and the reader is constantly kept guessing during the first third of the book as to whether Valin Kalami is a good guy or a bad guy - and is the Dowager Empress evil or just plain mad? I really began to feel a bond with Bridget and Ananda and by the end I was in tears! I'm certainly no expert in the field of fantasy novels, but I know what I like and I LIKE this - just one question... what's the next one called?