From Publishers Weekly
Best known for his Accelerando novels (Singularity Sky, etc.) of an ever-speedier techno-Singularity, British author Stross mixes high-tech with medieval trappings in this highly entertaining science fantasy in the "misplaced modern" mode. Reporter Miriam Beckstein, recently fired for exposing a money laundering scheme and threatened by the criminals involved, finds that staring at her mother's antique brooch can move her from contemporary America to a Viking-settled parallel universe, where she discovers her true heritage as a countess among the world-walking, goods-smuggling Clan. Struggling to master the mores and politics of her new family, Miriam discovers trust to be the rarest commodity in which they deal. Earl Roland, her new love, may be too loyal to her uncle, Duke Angbard, while Roland's intended, the Baroness Olga, is much more than a silly heiress waiting to be married off. Miriam schemes to update the Clan's ancient business and make herself invaluable to their interests, before one of the many assassins after her succeeds. Stross makes much of the incongruity of modern technology alongside old-fashioned costumes and customs, and many will be reminded of Roger Zelazny's Amber books, which had similar dizzying intrigues.
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From Bookmarks Magazine
British science fiction author Stross (Singularity Sky Jan/Feb 2004) has written Π²ΠΡa solid page-turner and an uncommonly promising series launcher,Π²ΠΡ writes Michael Berry in the San Francisco Chronicle*. Some readers, however, may be put off by the bookΠ²Πβ’s lengthy backstory and a few of the smaller roles read Π²ΠΡlike stock characters from a historical romanceΠ²ΠΡ (Austin American-Statesman). Though* Family Trade does not boast the most original premise, Stross pulls off the first of this series with wit and precision. The American Statesman*Π²Πβ’s Reisman speculates that this novel could be read as a critique of the fantasy genre, especially considering GruinmarktΠ²Πβ’s devastating lack of technological smarts. Miriam views this new world from a contemporary perspective, so thereΠ²Πβ’s plenty to mock-thatΠ²Πβ’s all part of the fun.
Copyright ΠΒ© 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.