From Publishers Weekly
In her newest Dirk & Steele novel, Liu introduces fiddle player Kitala Bell, cursed with the ability to foresee people's deaths, and merman M'Cal, slave to a soul-stealing witch. When M'Cal's cruel master orders M'Cal to steal Kitala's soul, he's loathe to carry through with it but can't stop himselfโor the witch. Unsuspecting Kit, meanwhile, has gotten herself in dutch with some local criminals while trying to help a girl she's sure will be murdered. By the time M'Cal catches up with Kit, he's forced into the role of rescuerโand, before long, red-hot lover. Though it starts slowโas clueless Kit must become acquainted with the author's paranormal underworldโLiu's latest is a clever, finely constructed take on the Little Mermaid story and delivers great paranormal suspense. Though the love story lacks complexity, and the Dirk & Steele detectives play only a peripheral part, all the other elements Liu fans expectโa strong heroine, a damaged hero, sharp dialogue and funny, fanciful detailsโare well-represented, making this a satisfying return to her universe. (July)
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From
Starred Review World-renowned-violinist Kitala Bell is blessed with the gift to produce otherworldly music and cursed to foresee the violent deaths of others. She shuns her visions, protecting her sanity against the pain, until one woman's fate compels her to intervene. Kit now faces an all-too-imminent death until M'Cal steps out of the darkness and unleashes a song of destruction on her attackers, a song that calls to the melodies in her mind. Even in her mystical world, he is unlike anything she has known. A man imprisoned by past mistakes, forced to hunt her for his own captor, yet equally compelled to keep her safe. The boundlessness of Liu's imagination never ceases to amaze; her ability to translate that imagination into a lyrical work of art never ceases to impress. This tale is a symphony of lush imagery, harmonizing subplots, and the wounded souls of her characters. M'Cal especially sets the tone as the reader sees him at his worst at the beginning, and falls instantly in love with him. Davis, Nina C.