Book 100: Unnatural Issue by Mercedes Lackey
Book 100: Unnatural Issue (Elemental Masters #7).
Author: Mercedes Lackey, 2011.
Genre: Historical Fantasy. Re-told Fairy Tale. War.
Other Details: ebook. 400 pages. Unabridged Audiobook (13 hrs, 19 mins). Read by Kate Reading.
Richard Whitestone is an Elemental Earth Master. Blaming himself for the death of his beloved wife during childbirth, he has sworn never to set eyes on his daughter, Susanne. But when he finally sees her, a dark plan takes shape in his twisted mind- to use his daughter's body to bring back the spirit of his long-dead wife. - synopsis from author's website.
This novel in the series is very loosely based on 'Donkeyskin' and similar tales. It also sees the return of Lord Peter Almsley, from The Serpent's Shadow'. Robin Goodfellow again comes into the tale.
Lackey once more focuses on the Great War. Although I did not feel this was one of the strongest in terms of fantasy I did applaud her taking the story into France at the opening of the Great War and felt she depicted life in the trenches very powerfully.
I liked Suzanne very much as a character and felt her horror when her father's insane plans came to light. I do hope to see her again along with more of Robin Goodfellow.
The narration in the audio edition was taken over by Kate Reading, who is one of my favourite readers. She did a great job with the regional accents.
Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.