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Jun 16, 2016JCLChrisK rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A simply delightful combination of elements. A compelling mystery with a series of side-mysteries to keep things surprising, based around a cast of eccentric characters who show up mysteriously. An atmospheric setting: a snowed-in cliff-top inn for smugglers in a fictional town the author clearly loves and was developing online before this book was conceived (I was intrigued enough to go looking to learn this after finishing the book). A house with a history and character. A town with wonderful folklore. An interesting and capable young protagonist full of yearnings and interests who is willing to learn and grow. With loving, intriguing parents (they run an inn for smugglers, after all, and adopted a son from China). And with a new friend who is helping him develop by engaging him in a live, improvised version of her favorite role-playing game. A strong sense that even the most ordinary, mundane objects can be treasures with the right stories and histories, as can the people who find them. Every page was infused with a longing for lore. Writing that deftly feels both eloquent and approachable, sophisticated and everyday. From the very start, I got caught up in Milo's story and didn't want to put it down.