Book Review – Radiance

Radiance - Catherynne M Valente

Every time I write a review of one of Cat Valente’s books I end up feeling horribly inadequate. I’m sure that there are subtleties of the plot that I haven’t grasped. I’m sure that I have failed to convey the beauty of Cat’s prose. I’m sure that I haven’t managed to convince my readers that this book is just the Best Thing Ever.

There’s a spoiler issue too. I find myself unable to avoid explaining just a little bit of the plot, because it is so lovely. And the books are so complex that I feel that people need a little help, just in case. Of course with Radiance there’s also the issue that we get told that Severin Unck is dead right there in the chronology that Cat presents at the start. Radiance is one of those books in which you get told what has happened and then have to go back and find out why. Sorry, authors do that sometimes. I don’t think I have told you too much. I hope so anyway.

I suck. I want you to love this book as much as I do. That may not be possible.

Ah well, I have written something. You can find it here. Or just take my word for it and buy the book.