The Secrets of Jin-shei : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: An impressive "debut"
Review: This is an impressive "debut" for Alma Alexander -- the secret being, of course, that it's not really her debut. She's had a fantasy duology and three other books published outside the US under her real name, Alma Hromic. So opening this book puts you in the capable hands of an accomplished writer, and there are none of the first-novel fumbles. The characterizations of the young ladies early in this book reminded me of nothing so much as some of Orson Scott Card's young protagonists (particularly Xaforn, the orphan Guard). The intricate plot is deftly managed, and I was never lost no matter how complicated things got, because the book is, at its heart, character-driven, and the characters are all strongly and distinctly drawn. Only one thing detracted from my enjoyment of this book -- in the advance reader's copy I have, at least, every instance of "mourn" and its derivatives has the "u" cut out of it, undoubtedly the result of an overzealous line editor under orders from the publisher to Americanize the writer's spellings. Fortunately, the book is quite strong enough to shrug off this insult. I agree with another reviewer that this book is not just "women's fiction." The Secrets of Jin-shei should appeal to any reader who enjoys being transported to an exotic world of fascinating characters, compelling relationships, and extraordinary events.

Rating:
Summary: Flawed but still worth the time
Review: This novel is beautifully written and kudos to Ms. Alexander for her thorough research and rich imagination. However, there were some deep flaws in the writing (that probably a good editor would have solved), such as major characters being introduced too abruptly, not enough character development on some of the major characters, and the overuse of flashback. Despite these problems, I was still engrossed in the story and emotionally attached the characters that were developed fully (I wept at the ending) and I definitely think it is worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: The Secrets of Jin-Shei
Review: When a friend insisted I read Alma Alexander's Secrets of Jin Shei, I balked. A novel about a mythical Chinese kingdom? Empresses and alchemists and warriors? Lions and tigers and bears, I sniffed. Not my thing. But my friend persisted, as friends will do, so I reluctantly gave it a try. And found myself totally absorbed in an amazing and original tour de force.

Yes, there is magic, the magic of a writer who creates a world both credible and compelling. It is a tale of friendship and commitment among young women with very human frailties and the capacity to transcend those frailties through love. Believing in Alexander's world was effortless; the hard part was saying good-bye to those empresses and alchemists and especially to that feisty little warrior when I reached the final page.

The secrets of jin-shei must be shared with friends. I loved it.

Virginia Teague
Davie, Florida