Seven for a Secret [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Bear (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2009

The sequel to New Amsterdam!

The wampyr has walked the dark streets of the world's great cities for a thousand years. In that time, he has worn out many names--and even more compatriots.

Now, so that one of those companions may die where she once lived, he has come again to the City of London. In 1938, where the ghosts of centuries of war haunt rain-grey streets and the Prussian Chancellor's army of occupation rules with an iron hand.

Here he will meet his own ghosts, the remembrances of loves mortal--and immortal. And here he will face the Chancellor's secret weapon: a human child.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hugo-winner Bear's sequel to 2007's New Amsterdam will please fans of the earlier book, a series of alternate history novellas. Lady Abigail Irene Garrett and wampyr Don Sebastien de Ulloa resurface in a 1938 London that has been under German rule for over a decade. With the British king in exile in the Americas and the German Chancellor gathering a force of werewolves, the amateur detective duo plan to use magic to defeat the occupation. While other writers might have used the concept for a lengthy novel, Bear's decision to keep the story short lets her easily maintain suspense, and her superior prose will engage the interest of both new readers and fans of Abby and Sebastien's earlier exploits. (Mar.)
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Subterranean (March 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596062339
• ISBN-13: 978-1596062337
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,691,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I tell stories. I prefer the mountains to the desert, and rain to sun. My eyes are blue. I like flying on airplanes, but they keep making the seats smaller.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Skillfully crafted alternate history, May 22, 2009

By 

the_smoking_quill (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seven for a Secret (Hardcover)

In 1938, in an alternate London occupied by the conquering German-Prussian empire, the ancient vampire Sebastien, attended by his 'court' of servants, awaits the death of his lover, the venerable sorceress, Abigail Irene. One night, however, two teenage girls--cadets in one of the empire's schools and each a seventh daughter--pique the vampire's curiosity. Sebastien and Abigail Irene begin to investigate the girls' backgrounds and the school's true activities, even as the girls progress toward an unorthodox graduation that will transform them into the empire's ultimate stormtroopers. But one of the girls has a secret of her own, and the course of history will hinge on the difficult choices of Sebastien and herself.

This short novella, a sequel to New Amsterdam, by the talented Elizabeth Bear is a skillful blend of alternate history, fantasy, and the macabre. Bear's writing is clear and brisk, and the character-driven plot tightly woven. I was amazed at Bear's ability to bring the characters to life with such economy, vividness, and subtlety.

My only non-subjective criticism is that a number of typographical errors appear throughout the text. As just one example, on page 108: "damn carpets" was used when "damp carpets" was apparently intended. (I say apparently because "damn" could technically work in context, but it seemed out of place.) In such a short, otherwise well-written work, such errors are particularly unfortunate. As far as a subjective concern: some readers may not wish to pay the full $25 hardcover price for a book of approximately 115 pages.

I did not read New Amsterdam prior to this book; however, Seven for a Secret was still engaging and, presumably, would appeal even more strongly to anyone who enjoyed its predecessor. I will certainly add New Amsterdam to my reading list. As for Seven for a Secret, I highly recommend it--as a discounted purchase or library loan--for fans of alternate history or post-medieval fantasy/macabre, especially those who enjoy a British or European setting.