“Pacific Fire” is the follow up to Greg Van Eekhout’s amazing “California Bones” in the Daniel Blackland series. Just as tightly written as the first book, “Pacific Fire” jumps forward 10 years and the Southern California kingdom is in a state of barely contained chaos. Powerful magic users and factions squabble for control, while everyone looks over their shoulder wondering if Northern California or other powers might swoop in during this time of political upheaval. “California Bones” is a very personal story, this time around the scope is wider and the ramifications bigger.
Daniel Blackland has been on the run continuously these past ten years guarding the treasure of the kingdom, to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. A newly formed cabal needs the treasure to complete their plans and rain destruction down upon their enemies to seize control of the kingdom. Once again Daniel’s talents as a master thief and osteomancer are needed.
New protagonists and new points of view add to the telling of this story. The setting Greg has created is becoming richer and scarier. This is a SoCal I have no interest in visiting though I’m now more curious about what the rest of the World is like. There is a third book in the series called Dragon Coast that will be shortly finding it’s way home with me so I can find out what happens next in the adventures of Daniel Blackland.
I just really enjoyed these books. Though I couldn’t read them if I was hungry, eating, or even thinking about food. Appetite killer.