English language
Published Aug. 7, 2012 by Tor.
"A god has died, and it's up to Tara, first-year associate in the international necromantic firm of Kelethres, Albrecht, and Ao, to bring Him back to life before His city falls apart. Her client is Kos, recently deceased fire god of the city of Alt Coulumb. Without Him, the metropolis's steam generators will shut down, its trains will cease running, and its four million citizens will riot. Tara's job: resurrect Kos before chaos sets in. Her only help: Abelard, a chain-smoking priest of the dead god, who's having an understandable crisis of faith. When Tara and Abelard discover that Kos was murdered, they have to make a case in Alt Coulumb's courts--and their quest for the truth endangers their partnership, their lives, and Alt Coulumb's slim hope of survival. Set in a phenomenally built world in which justice is a collective force bestowed on a few, craftsmen fly on lightning …
"A god has died, and it's up to Tara, first-year associate in the international necromantic firm of Kelethres, Albrecht, and Ao, to bring Him back to life before His city falls apart. Her client is Kos, recently deceased fire god of the city of Alt Coulumb. Without Him, the metropolis's steam generators will shut down, its trains will cease running, and its four million citizens will riot. Tara's job: resurrect Kos before chaos sets in. Her only help: Abelard, a chain-smoking priest of the dead god, who's having an understandable crisis of faith. When Tara and Abelard discover that Kos was murdered, they have to make a case in Alt Coulumb's courts--and their quest for the truth endangers their partnership, their lives, and Alt Coulumb's slim hope of survival. Set in a phenomenally built world in which justice is a collective force bestowed on a few, craftsmen fly on lightning bolts, and gargoyles can rule cities, Three Parts Dead introduces readers to an ethical landscape in which the line between right and wrong blurs. "--
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a good magical murder mystery with fun world building and a cathartic conclusion. I figured out some stuff with/ahead of the characters, and felt that the reveals had been well set up. Lots of people being good at what they do, which is one of my favorite things.
Characters: B
World Building: A
Action / Pacing: A
This book fall into the "quick read" category. It won't make you think too much, but that's just fine if that's what you're looking for. A very good action book with more than enough depth to keep you engaged.
Magic in this book is portrayed as having evolved into an adjunct legal system. So that magicians are like lawyers. It's one of the interesting twists in this book, and there are lots more.
Fascinating mix of different fantasy subgenres.
Urban fantasy with gods and some steampunk flavor.
Enjoyed Tara's mission as new employee of Kelethres, Albrecht, and Ao.
Next book in the Craft sequence is on my virtual shelf already.
