In this sequel to California Bones and Pacific Fire, Greg Van Eekhout has written another captivating and fast-paced narrative that places Daniel and his friends in a race to find Sam, Daniel's adopted son. Though he was consumed by the Pacific firedrake dragon created by Daniel's half-brother, Sam's magic and his essence still live inside the dragon, and Daniel must find a way to release him before the Hierarch of Northern California turns the dragon into a weapon of mass destruction.
In order to succeed with his plan, Daniel must impersonate his half-brother Paul in front of the many who knew him in Northern California, including old lovers and mentors, as he competes for the position of High Grand Osteomancer of the Northern Kingdom. Magical hijinks, thefts and double crosses are interwoven with political intrigue and the highs and lows of personal relationships as Daniel and company search for the one object that will help Sam, the axis mundi bone.
For those familiar with the story, the characters, plot and descriptions of magical bones that can transform a person once ingested are a fun continuation of an already enjoyable fantasy ride. For those who haven't discovered this author's series, beginning with California Bones is a better bet than starting with Dragon Coast. Although the author does a decent job of referencing past plotlines, any new reader will enjoy far more entertainment by starting at the beginning of this complex fantasy, an investment well worth the time and energy. --Lee E. Cart, freelance writer and book reviewer