Synopsis:
Rudi Mackenzie has journeyed long and far across the land that was once the United States of America, seeking the shore where the sun rises, hoping to find the source of the world-altering event that has come to be known as the Change.
           
His quest ends in Nantucket, an island overrun with forest, inhabited by a mere two hundred people, who claim to have been transported there from out of time. Only one odd stone house remains standing. Within it, Rudi finds a beautifully made sword seemingly waiting for him.
           
And once he takes it up, nothing for Rudi—or for the world that he knows—will ever be the same…

Review:
This book was such a journey! I quite enjoyed all of the different paths of life Rudi and his retinue came across, and how they took to each other. Rudi is an exceptional person in that he truly considers thoughts and opinions and recognizes while he might not believe the same things, that could be a big factor in how people live and work and believe the world to be. I like how as the story has progressed, everyone uses their talents and shows how they would best work. It’s good that Rudi recognizes that everyone has a purpose, and he does try to see the good in people. As per always, Stirling had to throw in some gut punches that leave one quite emotional, especially when you thought that the tide was turning and redemption was potentially on the horizon! I found the ending quite brilliant and peculiar, how the deities and powers present themselves. I am not surprised at the connection we are given with Juniper, and it honestly made her “Mary Sue-ness” make more sense to me.

One of my absolute favourite quotes (skip if you do not want to read before reading said book):
“Fact becomes history; history becomes legend; legend becomes myth. Myth turns again to the beginning and creates itself. The figure for time isn’t an arrow; that is illusion, just as the straight line is. Time is a serpent.”

I am very interested to see what happens next, though I’m torn on the when to read this one, as my anamchara is the one who recommended this series, and I would end up ahead of him. I’d say damn him for getting me so invested in a series, but since getting to Rudi’s arc I love it so much that I can’t really mind too much, so, thanks B.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯