A Rumor of Gems

As a crystal lover, just the title of the book caught my attention. Reading it, I was hooked. This lady knows her gems and she uses them brilliantly in this first fantasy novel! Interesting characters, intrigue aplenty, almost verging on magical realism, Rumor of Gems is a must read for those who like strong women characters, mysterious sorcerers, their fantasy mixed with reality, and a new world (Arcato) to visit and relish. Can't wait for the second novel in the series to be ready - soon, I hope!

A Rumor of Gems is a great new fantasy novel by an excellent writer. I can't get enough of this book. Like most people, I didn't want it to end. I felt as if I have been in Arcato now. The main story is about Lucinda, who finds herself on a journey as she discovers more about herself and helps her friends. There is romance, adventure and lots of fun. The story has a wonderful cast of colorful characters. The gemstone theme throughout the book is so cool. Gods wander the streets among humans, shape shifters cause trouble. With so much going on, it was a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend this and I hope there will be a second book set in Arcato. I can't wait to go back again.

I have never read fantasy before. This book is magical and wonderous. It held my interest throughout and made me want to look up more about the gods and gems on the web. I can't wait for the sequel.

Steiber's first venture into the world of adult fantasy is impressive. Rumor of Gems captivated me from the first line, as did the definitely quirky but deeply realized heroine, Lucinda. Unlike much adult fantasy fiction this book revels in depth of character--the plot emerges from Lucinda's own troubled past--and that of Alasdair, the hauntingly romantic and reluctant and definitely sexy hero of the tale. The story opens with gemstones appearing everywhere...in people's pockets, on the streets, in nooks and crannies of the houses of unsuspecting citizens of a modern river town with definite medieval ambiance. The mystery of the why and "wherefrom" of the gems immediately ensnares the reader in a web of magical happenings. The adventuresome action-filled tale certainly piqued my own interest in gems...as well as in the fate of the extraordinary characters...perhaps the most loveable of which is a perceptive and delightfully wiley tiny jade dragon. At the end of the book I found myself longing for a sequel.

If you loved Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, and enjoy the books of Arturo Perez-Reverte (odd combination, I know), I think you'll really enjoy A Rumor of Gems. The characters are fully drawn, realistically imperfect, eccentric, and very likeable. The style of characterization is what most reminds me of Perez-Reverte's books (Flanders Panel springs to mind). The combination of familiarity and strangeness of the setting/background is what reminded me of Neil Gaiman's books. The magic itself is not the usual, and the author lets the reader discover what it's all about alonside Lucinda, the female protagonist. This is the author's first full-length fantasy for adults, and I hope she'll treat us to many more. And I hope the jade dragon returns in at least one of them!