When an author’s debut novel is released, it is a rare occurrence that its audience immediately receives the novel. It can take months before a novel finds its place in the market. However, Charlie Jane Anders debut novel is a rare exception. The novel found its audience upon release, and upon reading the novel, it is clear why.
Genre fans will recognise Charlie Jane Anders as the editor- in- chief of the fantasy and sci-fi website io9.com. She has released several short stories, but All The Birds In The Sky is her first debut novel. It centres around two main characters. Patricia is a witch who communicates with animals, whilst Laurence is an inventor and scientist. They are both equally strange in their own right, and they slowly find comfort in each other’s company. However, as they grow older, they move on with their lives. As they develop into adults, their intelligence and powers grow as they are reunited. They then unite to save the future of the world.
Charlie Jane Anders has been able to create a story, one that crosses the sci-fi and fantasy genres. Whilst it is an epic tale, the small amount of characters in the novel makes it a story centred on emotions. The characters are well defined in the early chapters, allowing the reader to see the development of the characters throughout. It shows the striking similarities between Patricia and Laurence, whilst also highlighting their differences. The author clearly shows how the two characters start falling for each other, and this is as close as a real life love story can get in the fantasy genre. It is a moving tale that closely resembles the real world, and many readers will be able to find an emotional connection with the novel. It is a humorous and uplifting tale of love and pain, whilst placed in the centre of a truly original fantasy tale that will have fans of the genre excited. This is by far one of the best debut novels in the genre in years. All The Birds In The Sky is a strong debut that will allow Charlie Jane Anders to gain the attentions of fans from many genres. A bright new author, destined to do well.
ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY / AUTHOR: CHARLIE JANE ANDERS / PUBLISHER: TITAN BOOKS / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
