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10 Reviews

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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4.4 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Urban Fantasy Plus, June 12, 2005

By

Rue "a meddling spinster" (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Rumor of Gems (Hardcover)

If you loved Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, and enjoy the books of Arturo Perez-Reverte (odd combination, I know), I think you'll really enjoy A Rumor of Gems.

The characters are fully drawn, realistically imperfect, eccentric, and very likeable. The style of characterization is what most reminds me of Perez-Reverte's books (Flanders Panel springs to mind). The combination of familiarity and strangeness of the setting/background is what reminded me of Neil Gaiman's books.

The magic itself is not the usual, and the author lets the reader discover what it's all about alonside Lucinda, the female protagonist.

This is the author's first full-length fantasy for adults, and I hope she'll treat us to many more. And I hope the jade dragon returns in at least one of them!

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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very human magic, June 23, 2005

By

cadredmed (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Rumor of Gems (Hardcover)

Steiber's first venture into the world of adult fantasy is impressive. Rumor of Gems captivated me from the first line, as did the definitely quirky but deeply realized heroine, Lucinda. Unlike much adult fantasy fiction this book revels in depth of character--the plot emerges from Lucinda's own troubled past--and that of Alasdair, the hauntingly romantic and reluctant and definitely sexy hero of the tale. The story opens with gemstones appearing everywhere...in people's pockets, on the streets, in nooks and crannies of the houses of unsuspecting citizens of a modern river town with definite medieval ambiance. The mystery of the why and "wherefrom" of the gems immediately ensnares the reader in a web of magical happenings. The adventuresome action-filled tale certainly piqued my own interest in gems...as well as in the fate of the extraordinary characters...perhaps the most loveable of which is a perceptive and delightfully wiley tiny jade dragon. At the end of the book I found myself longing for a sequel.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My New Favorite Author!, May 6, 2006

By

Calissa Hatton (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Rumor of Gems (Hardcover)

A Rumor of Gems is a great new fantasy novel by an excellent writer. I can't get enough of this book. Like most people, I didn't want it to end. I felt as if I have been in Arcato now.

The main story is about Lucinda, who finds herself on a journey as she discovers more about herself and helps her friends. There is romance, adventure and lots of fun.

The story has a wonderful cast of colorful characters. The gemstone theme throughout the book is so cool. Gods wander the streets among humans, shape shifters cause trouble. With so much going on, it was a lot of fun to read.

I highly recommend this and I hope there will be a second book set in Arcato. I can't wait to go back again.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb fun!
As a crystal lover, just the title of the book caught my attention. Reading it, I was hooked. This lady knows her gems and she uses them brilliantly in this first fantasy novel... Read more

Published on October 17, 2008 by Liana Carbon

2.0 out of 5 stars a gemstone infomercial
Heroine Lucinda lives in a world like ours, except that gods are real and all the various gemstone lore is literally true. Read more

Published on June 30, 2008 by D. K. Stokes

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and enchanting
As one of the reviews on the back of the book stated, steiber's prose IS flawless. The words flow as a magical stream. Love it!

Published on January 1, 2008 by Gab Marie

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical spell binder
I have never read fantasy before. This book is magical and wonderous. It held my interest throughout and made me want to look up more about the gods and gems on the web. Read more

Published on April 8, 2006 by Linda Y. Byberg

4.0 out of 5 stars Strange and new
In the city of Arcato, strange things are happening. People find gem stones lying about. A young boy is killed mysteriously. Shadows are not benign. Read more

Published on January 16, 2006 by hrladyship

4.0 out of 5 stars fun but strange fantasy
The city of Arcato is under some sort of mystical siege. First magical gemstones began appearing with the potency to cast spells. Read more

Published on July 23, 2005 by Harriet Klausner

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Book
I am a big fan of adult fantasy and this book has quickly become one of my favorites! The story is enchanting and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.

Published on July 20, 2005 by a reader

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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First Sentence:
THERE WERE RUMORS of gems appearing in the city: topaz turning up in the sneaker of a three-year-old; discarded emeralds found glittering on a restaurant dish that a waiter was about to clear; a convenience store cash register filled with opals instead of dimes; the dark soil in a window box suddenly shining with bits of polished lapis and garnet---enough to make necklaces for every woman in the tenement. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
chalcedony cat, tourmaline bracelet, moonstone necklace, jade door, silver hoof, jade dragon, lost towns, three emeralds, third threshold, golden topaz, deerskin pouch, plaid pajamas, life stones, topaz eyes, clawed foot, silver mask, obsidian knife, bronze dagger, cat goddess

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Source Place, Michael Fortunato, Carnival Night, Shrine of the Mothers, Dessalines Productions, Haifong Street, Mercy Hospital, Janna Powell, Gabrielle Oculara, Intensive Care, Lionscross Road, Montague Street, Sebastian Keane, Tyrone Dessalines

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