In the first chapter of Melting Stones, I wasn’t ready!!! Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to start Melting Stones.
Chapter 1: Lost at Sea
AHHHHH I WAS TRULY NOT READY FOR THIS SURPRISE. At this point, I don’t even know who else might show up in this book, but after just one chapter? I’m pleased. Very pleased. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: FIRST-PERSON NARRATION FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF EVUMEIMEI. Yes. Yes. She’s got such a fascination voice for a story, and parts of this reminded me of Aly from the Trickster duology. She’s so direct and emotional and I LOVE IT.
Plus, it’s a nice way to introduce an unfamiliar story through a familiar character. It’s been four years since the events in Street Magic, and I was able to get right back into the mindset of Evvy fairly quickly. It helped to get into her head, of course, but I think that the jarring nature of the setting was part of that, too. On a ship, Evvy is far from anything that gives her comfort, given that the sea floor is quite distant. But it’s through this reality that we’re given a hint of what is to come: the role volcanoes or volcanic activity might play a part in the story.
Yet even before that, we’re introduced to two new characters: Luvo and Dedicate Myrrhtide. Luvo was mentioned in the last book, but HOLY SHIT, y’all, he’s so much cooler than I expected:
He’s about eighteen inches tall. He has the shape of a bear made of clear, deep green, and purple crystal that’s been rounded and smoothed by water. His face is a gentle point, not a muzzle. He’s not truly a rock, though he has the magic of a thousand stones. He is the heart of a mountain, a living creature with power for blood.
THE HEART OF A MOUNTAIN. IT’S SO COOL. And he’s not just the coolest creature ever, he also tells DAD JOKES. He’s also ENDLESSLY PATIENT, because wouldn’t the heart of a goddamn mountain be patient? It’s a beautiful contrast to Evvy’s more rambunctious and energetic self, and I can already see how Luvo can be a mentor for her.
While Rosethorn has also returned (!!!! I MISSED HER SO MUCH !!!!), we’ve also got a new Dedicate in tow: Myrrhtide, casually known as Dedicate Fusspot in Evvy’s narration. He reminded me of Dedicate Crane’s earlier characterization, before we understood why he was the way he was. He’s… well, he’s fussy. He complains a lot, he’s a nitpicker, and he is pretty open about the fact that he doesn’t really like Evvy or her attitude. So he harps on her. A lot. It doesn’t matter that she has a rare form of ambient magic or that she had a different upbringing; he just dislikes her.
Rosethorn and Luvo are doing their best to teach Evvy patience and tact, though. I imagine that’ll also play heavily into the story itself. But let’s just close this out by acknowledging how amazing it is that Luvo, through Evvy’s magic, is able to take her down into a canyon near the bottom of the sea. I think it’s an important scene because it helps her understand the construction of the world, especially how magma functions. Previously, Evvy didn’t even know that volcanoes could exist underwater. I wonder, then, if the waking tremors are a sign of something else. Look, I’m just going to be suspicious of every possible clue because it’s the only way to survive these books, okay?
I’m so excited.
The original text contains use of the word “crazy.”
Mark Links Stuff
– I am now on Patreon!!! MANY SURPRISES ARE IN STORE FOR YOU IF YOU SUPPORT ME.
– IÂ will be at Borderlands Books, Book Riot Live, and Windycon this fall! Check the full list of events on my Tour Dates / Appearances page.
– My Master Schedule is updated for the near and distant future for most projects, so please check it often. My next Double Features for Mark Watches will be Kings, season 1 of Sense8, season 1 of Agent Carter, seasons 1 & 2 of The 100, Death Note, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. On Mark Reads, Diane Duane’s Young Wizards series will replace the Emelan books.
- Mark Does Stuff is on Facebook! I’ve got a community page up that I’m running. Guaranteed shenanigans!
