ELIZABETH DISCOVERS A NEW (to her) AUTHOR

Well, actually, in the past few months I’ve had a chance to discover quite a few new-to-me authors. I just close my eyes, make a grab at my TBR shelf, sit down, and begin reading.

To be honest, I don’t finish every book I start. Some authors just don’t have “it” for me. Since I know that every reader has a different “it” factor, I won’t mention the books that don’t work for me, because I’m sure they are some other reader’s new favorite.

Besides, I’d rather talk about authors I enjoy.

Shana Abé, for instance.

I only wish I knew how to make my computer put in the proper accent over the e. But I don’t, so y’all will just have to imagine it there (unless my web goddess intervenes!).

Shana came onto my radar with THE SMOKE THIEF. I admit the cover hooked me. I figured if the book was half as evocative as the cover art, I’d be in heaven.

THE SMOKE THIEF lived up to the art and then some! I, who am not a big historical reader now, was completely hooked. This book is a timeless fantasy involving a woman born of dragonkind who lacks the ability to change into a dragon; a jewel thief born in the gutters who rises above them; a jewel that can enslave dragonkind; sacrifice; learning; suspense; and a forbidden love that simply refuses to be denied.

And did I mention that Shana is an exquisite writer? Her voice is clear and evocative, fairly humming with the completeness of her creation, unexpected and inevitable, a truly fantastic storyteller.


THE DREAM THIEF, the second in the series, was just as good.

QUEEN OF DRAGONS, the third book, is my Christmas present to myself. Can't wait for it to arrive!