Jenna Starborn

Rating:
Summary: Put your feet up, gals, for a fun summer read!
Review: While Jenna Starborn may not have the innovative underpinnings of Archangel, it has its own charms. I would not call the book derivative - I see it, rather, as the ultimate "fan fic," a lovingly crafted and delightful salute to Bronte by an accomplished writer. I was particularly impressed with the handling of language - Shinn makes it look easy. Let me tell you, the duplication of archaic syntactic rhythms is NOT easy - as a casual reading of most sefl-styled "epic" SF/Fantasy tales should demonstrate. Shinn's language rings true and supports her characterization of Jenna, a woman I found downright inspiring. Also interesting to me was the mix of an older, more substantial code of moral honor with what is too often a setting for our increasingly honorless relativist view of morality. It was refreshing to read about lovers who take love and committment seriously and who stay true to a belief system of substance. In the end, however, my recommendation of the book is purely personal - it was fun, it was romantic, it was skillfully written - it was a delightful ride. Shinn knows her business and does it well. And I, for one, needed a little bit of spring...