THE FLOATING LAKE OF DRESSA MOORE

In this fantasy, a magic researcher embarks on an arduous quest to reach an enchanted land.

The country of Dressa Moore boasts a strange sight: a lake improbably hovering in the sky. An epic battle, resulting in a frozen stalemate between the last dragon and wizard, caused magical powers to erupt throughout the land, altering the terrain and its inhabitants. Jonathan Braxton, a narcissistic magilurgy professor at the Great University of Learning and Knowledge, is eager to study this area uncharted by researchers. He also hopes that bringing along his lover, William Watts Worthwaddle, a linguist, will improve their faltering relationship. But the journey to Lake Connell spawns danger and obstacles at every turn. For one, Jonathan and William sail the Aquirren River on The Knotted Wood, a ship captained by Marta Bartolome, a pirate commanding an undead crew. Further complications abound, threatening to thwart their goal. The pirate ship is desperately pursued by Commodore Thomas Wilkes, who wants to kill Marta, believing she abducted his wife. The True Religionists don’t want Dressa Moore to be explored, fearing they’ll lose their tight control of the area. Fellow magilurgist Samson Sutter, jealous of Jonathan, tries to cut the funding for the expedition. Miller keeps his story hopping rapidly from one viewpoint to another, but his large pool of characters can sometimes be overwhelming. William, Jonathan, and Marta stand out from the crowd—flawed but somehow likable, capable of surprises. Heartless-seeming Marta reveals her code of ethics about human life: “I never take one without good reason.” Mocked for his useless linguistics studies (there’s only one language), William nevertheless finds a way to earn respect with his skills. A magical land is imaginatively depicted with airborne pigs eating a shower of lettuce and carrots while gliding above “seashell streets.” Roses rapidly bloom, die, and regenerate. Though there are battle scenes, the book’s tone is lighthearted. “It took me three months to find the perfect-sized vest!” Marta shouts after being shot in the shoulder. Miller’s riveting novel is so stuffed with characters and subplots that a sequel is announced at the end.

A rollicking tale with magic, pirates, and multiple viewpoints that will keep readers turning pages.