I bought this book in Hay-on-Wye (small Welsh town with many, many bookshops) back in January when we went there on a birthday book-buying jaunt. What originally caught my eye was the solidity of the thing. This copy is a chunkily made hardback that had real presence on the shelf. The cover illustration is utterly abysmal but the art on the inside is beautiful, a real treat for the eyes.The story concerns a young girl in Prague who is kidnapped by a nefarious Puppeteer who is attempting to acquire the magic powers inherent in the girl as the ancestor of the countries founder. Yeah, I know that's a terrible synopsis but that is essentially what's going on. Throughout the narrative Owen weaves several myths and legends that help situate the novel. It's gothic leanings are clearly on display and allow the novel a period feel without dating it.
It was on the whole a groovy little read with some engaging moments but the end seemed bitty and a little shoddy. Overall, fun but flawed (with hideous cover art).
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